Record-breaking US Open Champion Rory McIlroy will return to the Killarney Golf & Fishing Club for this year’s Irish Open, offering golf fans the thrill of a lifetime - to play alongside him in the tournament Pro-Am.
Ticket purchasers for this year’s event, to be played over the Bank Holiday weekend, from July 28 – 31, will be able to enter a competition to win a place in golf’s newest and most exciting Major Champion’s Pro-Am Team on Wednesday, July 27.
Tickets are now available fromwww.europeantour.com/ticketswith advance savings available on all season, daily and concession tickets. Junior fans, under the age of 16 and accompanied by a paying adult, will be granted free entry to the tournament. To enter the competition, please visitwww.europeantour.com/tickets
Now, one lucky fan will have the chance to get up close and personal with McIlroy by winning a place in his Pro-Am Team for what can only be described as the chance of a lifetime to play 18 holes with the runaway US Open Champion. In addition, the winner will receive free accommodation in a four star hotel for two nights (July 26 and 27)in order to soak up the entire Irish Open experience.
The 22 year old, who captured the US Open by a remarkable eight shots at Congressional on Sunday, is one of the biggest draws in golf and creates a huge buzz wherever he plays in the world. Nowhere was that more evident than the Killarney Golf & Fishing Club last year, as ‘Rory Fever’ swept through County Kerry and beyond as crowds flocked to see the young star in person.
“I’m really pleased to be able to offer someone a place in my Pro-Am Team at Killarney – hopefully people will like the idea of taking me on. I might even give them a couple of shots!”
McIlroy cannot wait to get back to Killarney as he bids to follow Padraig Harrington in 2007 and Shane Lowry in 2009 as home grown winners of their national Open.
“The Irish Open is very high on the list of tournaments that I would like to win in my career one day,” said McIlroy.
“I think every golfer has a special place in his or her heart for their national Open and I am no different. To win in front of a home crowd is something we don’t get the chance to do that often, so I’d love to win the title.
“The event was a real success last year with so many people coming down to Killarney to support myself and the other Irish guys. Obviously G-Mac and Padraig were huge draws as well last year and I am sure it will be the same again this year.
“The Irish crowds are pretty amazing. They are unique in the way they get behind you and you always want to do well when you are playing in front of them.”
The competition closes for entries at midnight on Wednesday 20th July, 2011. European Tour Terms and Conditions apply. All entrants must be aged 16 and over on July 27, 2011 and in possession of an official handicap.
