Westwood to play in 3 Irish Open

The European Tour has announced that 2009 European Tour number one, Lee Westwood, will play at this year’s 3 Irish Open when the tournament returns to Killarney Golf and Fishing Club from July 29 to August 1.

Current World number four Westwood is targeting more success on Irish soil after winning back-to-back European Open titles on the Emerald Isle at The K Club in 1999 and 2000.

He was also undefeated as part of Ian Woosnam’s victorious European Ryder Cup team at the same venue in 2006, contributing four points.

Westwood’s appearance in the 3 Irish Open - which has a prize fund of €3million - could play an important role in his defence of his Race to Dubai crown.

Westwood said: “I’ve always enjoyed playing in Ireland and have done well there over the years so I’m optimistic about my chances of more success in the 3 Irish Open.

“I’m in great form at the moment and playing some of the best golf of my career so hopefully that will continue throughout the remainder of the season.

“I’ve won The European Open and obviously The Ryder Cup in Ireland so it would be fantastic to add Ireland’s national Open to that list. Hopefully with the Bank Holiday slot we will attract a large crowd at Killarney.”

Westwood was in contention in the 3 Irish Open last year after opening with a 68 and then a 66 but had to eventually settle for a share of 30th place following weekend rounds of 77 and 74 as Irishman Shane Lowry – an amateur at the time - took the title in spectacular fashion.