Justin Rose, one of the hottest golfers on the planet, is hoping to cement a place in Europe’s Ryder Cup Team at next week’s 3 Irish Open over the Killarney Golf and Fishing Club.
The Englishman, whose two recent PGA Tour victories propelled him from 66th to 16th in the Official World Golf Ranking in the space of just four weeks, is hoping that a victory in Ireland can see him qualify automatically for Colin Montgomerie’s European side to take on the USA in Wales in October.
Rose has not played in the 3 Irish Open since 2002 and is relishing a return to the event as he looks to replicate his magical PGA Tour form on his home continent of Europe.
“I’m really looking forward to playing the 3 Irish Open,” said Rose. “With a €3 million prize fund and substantial World Ranking Points on offer, it gives me a great chance to automatically qualify for The Ryder Cup Team.
“I am playing very well at the moment. My victories in America recently have put me back in the frame to make Monty’s Team and I would love to secure that by winning in Killarney. It would be great to follow up my PGA Tour wins with a victory in Europe.”
Rose will meet stern resistance to his hopes of winning the 3 Irish Open from a world class field that includes US Open Champion Graeme McDowell and three-time Major Champion Padraig Harrington as well as Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke and, of course, the defending Champion, 3 Ambassador Shane Lowry.
George O’Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour, said: “Justin’s commitment to the 3 Irish Open further underlines the quality of the field that will gather at the Killarney Golf and Fishing Club next week. His recent successes in America have elevated him back amongst the world’s elite – a position that his recent form more than justifies.”
