NEWS: Ken Schofield, the Executive Director of the European Tour, has confirmed that there will definitely be an Irish Open tournament next season, writes Philip Reid. The traditional release of the following season's schedule during the Volvo Masters did not materialise as a number of loose ends need to be tied up regarding some events, including the Irish Open.

It is believed that the Irish Open will be given the week - the fourth week in July - immediately after the British Open, which was traditionally taken by the Dutch Open. The Dutch have also lost their title sponsor and require more time to formalise sponsorship for their tournament.

Although no replacement has yet been found to assume title sponsorship from Murphy's, who withdrew this year, the ownership of the tournament has been assumed by the European Tour and they remain hopeful of a backer coming on board.