Irish stars to face off in winner-takes-all clash

Three-time Major winner Padraig Harrington and teenage sensation Rory McIIroy will play each other in a winner-takes-all showdown worth $300,000 (€223,182) on the new Lough Erne golf course in Co Fermanagh, the resort's owners announced last night.

Four thousand tickets will be sold for the glamour event between two of the island's best-known sportsmen.

It will take place at the end of July, just days after Harrington attempts to go for a hat trick of Open Championship wins at Turnberry in Scotland.

Co Down-born McIlroy, whose recent performances have drawn comparisons with a young Tiger Woods, is the touring professional at the Lough Erne course, which was designed by six-time Major champion Nick Faldo.

The 19-year-old, who attended the event's launch, said he was looking forward to the match.

"The opportunity to play against Padraig on what is in some ways my home turf is exciting," he said. "He is a fantastic player - a real role model for someone like me starting out on my career."

He described the new course as spectacular.

"To play Padraig in the inaugural event will be very special," he added.

Dubliner Harrington joined the press conference live by satellite link from Bay Hill, Orlando, where he is preparing for the Arnold Palmer Invitational event.

"North West Ireland is a beautiful part of the world and while I don't know the Enniskillen area at all and have not yet seen the Lough Erne Golf Resort I am assured by those who have that it will be a wonderful addition to Ireland's golfing infrastructure," he said.

"It is good to be promoting this part of the island through the establishment of this event and I hope the North's golf fans will come out to see myself and Rory compete on the shores of the Lough."