Former World champion boxer Barry McGuigan, Sunderland manager Martin O’Neill and Hollywood actor Bill Murray are amongst a star-studded list of celebrities who will tee off in the Irish Open Pro-Am as the build-up to one of The European Tour’s most eagerly-awaited tournaments continues.
McGuigan, who became a hero in Ireland and beyond when he beat Eusebio Pedroza to become the WBA World Featherweight champion in 1985, will play with former Irish Open Champion Ross Fisher at the stunning Royal Portrush Golf Club, in Portrush, Northern Ireland, at 7:50am on Wednesday morning.
Former Northern Ireland international O’Neill will have the pleasure of playing alongside The 2012 Ryder Cup Captain José María Olazábal when they tee off at 9:00am.
Murray, the Hollywood star whose movies include the famous golf comedy Caddyshack, will play at 9:20am alongside Graeme McDowell as well as the former US Open Champion's brother Gary. It will be another family affair at 1:30pm as Rory McIroy plays alongside his father Gerry.
The list doesn’t end there, with Ronan Keating, who was a member of record-breaking pop band Boyzone before embarking on a successful solo career, playing with fellow Irishman Paul McGinley at 12:40pm.
Just ten minutes prior to that, another famous singer – Shane Filan of Westlife – will play with local hero Darren Clarke, while Irish rugby international Rory Best will share the first tee with The European Tour’s most recent winner, BMW International Open champion Danny Willett, at 1:50pm.
European Tour Chief Executive George O’Grady will play alongside newly-crowned Amateur Champion Alan Dunbar, as well as two-time Open Champion Padraig Harrington, at 2:30pm.
Entry to the Irish Open Pro-Am is £10, while parking is £5.
