Golf:As far as promotional competitions go, the chance to play with the new US Open champion at this year's Irish Open must rank up there as one of the better ones.
Anyone who buys a ticket to the Irish Open, to be played once more at Killarney Golf & Fishing Club over the August Bank Holiday weekend (July 28th-31st), will be able to enter a competition for the chance to play alongside Rory McIlroy in the pro-am.
In addition to teaming up with McIlroy (Wednesday, July 27th), the winner will also receive accommodation at a four-star hotel for two nights (July 26th and 27th).
“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,” joked McIlroy, who will be looking to follow in the footsteps of Pádraig Harrington (2007) and Shane Lowry (2009) as recent Irish winners.
“The Irish Open is very high on the list of tournaments that I would like to win in my career one day,” added McIlroy, who arrived back in Belfast last night.
“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 Pádraig were huge draws as well last year and I am sure it will be the same again this year."
To enter the competition visit www.europeantour.com/tickets. Entries close at midnight on Wednesday, July 20th and entrants must be aged 16 and over and must have an official handicap. Pre-purchased tickets for the event start at €25 for adults, with season tickets priced at €50.
