Irish Open set for Killarney

The 3 Irish Open will take place next year at the Killarney Golf and Fishing Club from July 29 to August 1, it was announced today.

This will be the third time that Killarney has hosted the Irish Open following consecutive events in 1991 and ’92.

The prize fund will be in excess of €3m.

The staging of the 3 Irish Open over the August Bank Holiday weekend on the magnificent Killeen course, just weeks before the European Ryder Cup team is announced, is expected to attract golf’s marquee names to the Co Kerry venue.

"The 3 Irish Open going to Killarney on this new date will make it a tremendous event," said three-time Major winner Padraig Harrington.

"I believe the golf course is superb but I am 100% sure that the venue would be very popular on the tour with the players.

"That is very important - The Irish Open has to give a little bit more than other events: it has to give the whole package with people enjoying the whole week around the golf. That’s what The Irish Open did in the past and that’s what future Irish Opens have to do.

"We have to go forward and give a little bit more than everybody else. The guys will have a great time and I will be telling all the players to bring their families that week to have a great time regardless of how the golf goes. We have to deliver a little bit more than all the events on Tour."

This year’s 3 Irish Open was one of the highlights of the sporting calendar, with amateur Shane Lowry delighting home fans during a fairytale play-off victory over England’s Robert Rock in Baltray.

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Martin Cullen said: "This famous and prestigious venue, set amidst the magnificent scenery of the Lakes of Killarney, is an ideal location to show Ireland as a golfing destination to millions of television viewers and prospective visitors worldwide.

"I wish to congratulate Killarney Golf and Fishing Club who successfully hosted the event in 1991 and 1992. I also welcome the continuing title sponsorship provided by mobile communications company 3. It is enabling the 3 Irish Open to grow into one of the most important events on the European Tour."