Clare’s Lahinch Golf Club has been announced as the venue for the 2019 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.
The event will be hosted by former Ryder Cup winning captain Paul McGinley and is expected to draw all the world’s top players to Lahinch.
The announcement that the event is taking place in Clare was made by the European Tour today and has been hailed by Mayor of Clare, Tom McNamara as a “prestige event”.
“The hosting of the Irish Open in Lahinch will deliver a significant boost to the local economy and will showcase County Clare to an international audience,” added Mayor McNamara.
Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council, said, “I want to congratulate the President and Club Captain of Lahinch Golf Club on what is a landmark achievement in the 126-year history of the club.
“We look forward to welcoming thousands of people to the county for an event that will provide a unique opportunity to showcase Clare as an excellent golfing and tourism destination.”
“An Garda Síochána looks forward to working with Lahinch Golf Club, Clare County Council, the local community and all other stakeholders in supporting the hosting of this prestigious event which will bring thousands of visitors and revenue to Clare, along with some of the world’s leading golfers,” said John Kerin, Clare Garda Chief Superintendent.
Rory McIlroy has been a major figure in revitalising the Irish Open, helping bring Dubai Duty Free as sponsors. He first hosted the competition in 2015.
The tournament has grown from strength to strength since McIlroy’s involvement and is one of the select events which form part of the Rolex Series on the European Tour, with prize money set at a minimum $7 million.
When McGinley as announced as the host for the 2019 staging in February, he said the following: “I’m delighted to be part of this next exciting phase…as Ireland moves to the forefront of the world golf schedule.
“I look forward to hosting that year’s Irish Open and will endeavour to make it a memorable event.”
