We can’t wait for this year’s Irish Open at Royal County Down, and it looks like tournament host Rory McIlroy feels exactly the same way
With the name of his charity, the Rory Foundation, attached to the tournament, the world number one seems to have really taken his role seriously, drawing in big-name sponsors and even bigger names from the world of golf.
And McIlroy admits it will be a proud occasion when he brings the eyes of the golfing world to his little corner of the island of Ireland.
‘People have asked me why I am so excited about the Irish Open coming to Royal County Down. The answer is obvious, really,’ McIlroy has written in a blog ahead of the tournament, which begins on May 28.
‘We have a great golf course that features regularly in world top ten rankings and a fantastic tournament with a world-class heritage.
‘However, there is another reason for my excitement: it’s home. As I was growing up, I used to absolutely love it when Northern Ireland sportsmen and sportswomen were successful in any field. It gives us all a sense of pride in where we’re from, a feeling that we are up there mixing it with the best.
‘So, to be able to invite the world of golf to visit my home county and know that they will be blown away by the quality of the course, the stunning scenery and the hospitality of the people…that’s something very special indeed.’
Sergio Garcia, Ernie Els, Lee Westwood and Rickie Fowler have already confirmed they will be joining Ireland’s finest golfers at the event, while reports suggest Rory’s powers of persuasion may also see other world class names jetting in for the jamboree.
And while he is putting in plenty of work off the course to help make the tournament a success, McIlroy is in no doubt that once he steps inside the ropes there will only be one thing on his mind.
‘When I walk out on the first tee on 28 May this year it really will feel like a homecoming.
‘It’s been eight years since Rickie Fowler and I walked out at Royal County Down as members of rival teams in the Walker Cup, and later that year I turned professional. It seems like a lifetime ago.
‘So, the Irish Open will really be a landmark for me. And if I can get my name on the trophy, then 2015 will go down as an important year in my career.’
Plan your trip to the Irish Open with Discover Northern Ireland: http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/irish-open-2015/
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