Shane Lowry to lead 11-strong home contingent as Irish Open tee times announced

Lowry will play with Australia’s Lucas Herbert and South African George Coetzee and tee off at 9.25am tomorrow

Shane Lowry will be the first Irish player to tee off at tomorrow's Irish Open

Tournament favourite Shane Lowry will kick-start the home challenge at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open as the first Irishman off the tee in the opening round at Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort on Thursday.

The Open champion, making his first competitive appearance on these shores since his last visit to Co Antrim, when he lifted the Claret Jug at Royal Portrush 14 months ago, will tee off at 9.25am as he bids to emulate his victory in his national open as an amateur at Baltray in 2009.