The concept of staging the Irish Open as a standalone tournament without a sponsor, a la the Masters and the British Open Championship, was fraught with risk. But then, the proposal was forwarded by Tom Kane, the owner of Adare Manor, who undertook far riskier missions as a US fighter pilot in a previous life. And, now, it would seem his confidence in the tournament has been entirely justified.

Yesterday, it was announced this year's Irish Open at Adare Manor will have a prize fund of €2.5 million, representing a 12½ per cent increase of €300,000 on last year's purse when Denmark's Thomas Bjorn won the weather-hit tournament at Carton House.

"We were aware that the tournament needed a fresh approach if it was to reclaim its rightful position as one of Europe's premier event," said Kane, who added: "I'm of the strong belief that the national championship deserves, and is worthy of, a standalone brand."

So, there is no title sponsor for the tournament which will be staged at the Co Limerick resort for the next three years, up to 2009. Instead, a series of partners have been put in place along with Adare Manor and the European Tour. Five of these (Fáilte Ireland, McInerney, Michael McNamara and Company, Roadbridge and Pallas Foods) were announced yesterday, with a further four due to be named in the coming weeks.

In addition, a number of other companies have come on board as official sponsors and as official suppliers.

Adare Manor will play host to the championship for the first time on May 17th-20th. It is sandwiched in between the Players Championship in the United States, which takes place the previous week, and the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth the following week.

Despite the increase in prize money, it is not an ideal date in terms of attracting players who may have been involved at Sawgrass and who may seek a week off before the European Tour's flagship event.

Still, Ireland's leading tour players, particularly Padraig Harrington, who won the JP McManus Pro-Am when it was staged at the venue in 2005, Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley, who offered advice on the toughening the course which has seen 10 new tee boxes constructed and an additional 300 yards added to its length in bringing it to 7,453 yards, have been actively encouraging fellow tour players to participare.

In welcoming the decision to stage the Irish Open at Adare Manor, Harrington remarked: "The Irish Open is definitely something I want on my curriculum vitae. It's a big title, definitely something I want to win . . . and this is a great opportunity for me. We are coming to a course that suits me and I am looking forward to it."

McGinley, who won an Irish PGA title on the Robert Trent Jones Snr-designed course, commented: "I regard Adare Manor as the finest inland course in Ireland . . . there is no hidden agenda, you know where you have to hit each shot. I think we can expect a lot of support from the Irish spectators."

Bjorn has confirmed he will defend his title. "The Irish Open has always been one of the best supported tournaments we play," said Bjorn, in a statement. "Adare is an extremely good test of golf, it is going to be a thinker's golf course."

While the purse for the Irish Open has been increased to €2.5 million, the tournament is still behind the likes of the French Open, the European Open and the Scottish Open - which all have prime dates in the calendar in late-June and July.

However, this increase is due to be followed by further increases over the next two years as Kane's bold decision for a standalone Irish Open takes further shape.

Certainly, his initiative deserves to rewarded for what will be the first tournament staged in Ireland since last year's highly-successful Ryder Cup at The K Club.

Daily ticket admissions for the Irish Open will cost €25 with a season ticket for the four days set at €75.

Old age pensioners and children will be admitted free of charge.