THE 2015 IRISH OPEN has received another major boost with the news that former World number one Lee Westwood has added the European Tour event to his schedule for the first time since 2009.
The Englishman, a 23-time European Tour winner, will join Rory McIlroy and American Rickie Fowler at Royal County Down from 28-31 May.
“I’m really looking forward to playing. I’ve heard a lot about the golf course – County Down has that legendary status,” The 41-year-old said.
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“I haven’t played in the Irish Open for a long time. It’s somewhere I’ve been successful and had a lot of support from the local fans. I’ve always seemed to get on very well with the Irish.”
While it will be the first time Westwood will make a professional appearance in Northern Ireland, he’s got a good record on these shores. He won the Smurfit European Open at The K Club in 1999 before defending his title a year later.
Westwood was also part of the 2006 Ryder Cup team that helped Europe win the trophy at the same venue.
This is the first time the Irish Open will be hosted by Rory McIlroy’s Foundation. The World number one will also be joined by fellow Major winners Graeme McDowell and Darren Clarke in what’s turning into a stellar field for the event.
Last year’s winner, Mikko Ilonen, has also announced he will be returning to Ireland to defend his title.
Meanwhile, Westwood is currently co-leader of the Malaysian Open with McDowell falling off the pace after a one-over par round of 73.
Westwood is in a share of the lead at the halfway mark with Spain’s Alejandro Canizares on 11 under-par.
Lee Westwood will be joining Rory and Rickie at Royal County Down in May
THE 2015 IRISH OPEN has received another major boost with the news that former World number one Lee Westwood has added the European Tour event to his schedule for the first time since 2009.
The Englishman, a 23-time European Tour winner, will join Rory McIlroy and American Rickie Fowler at Royal County Down from 28-31 May.
“I’m really looking forward to playing. I’ve heard a lot about the golf course – County Down has that legendary status,” The 41-year-old said.
“I haven’t played in the Irish Open for a long time. It’s somewhere I’ve been successful and had a lot of support from the local fans. I’ve always seemed to get on very well with the Irish.”
While it will be the first time Westwood will make a professional appearance in Northern Ireland, he’s got a good record on these shores. He won the Smurfit European Open at The K Club in 1999 before defending his title a year later.
Westwood was also part of the 2006 Ryder Cup team that helped Europe win the trophy at the same venue.
This is the first time the Irish Open will be hosted by Rory McIlroy’s Foundation. The World number one will also be joined by fellow Major winners Graeme McDowell and Darren Clarke in what’s turning into a stellar field for the event.
Last year’s winner, Mikko Ilonen, has also announced he will be returning to Ireland to defend his title.
Meanwhile, Westwood is currently co-leader of the Malaysian Open with McDowell falling off the pace after a one-over par round of 73.
Westwood is in a share of the lead at the halfway mark with Spain’s Alejandro Canizares on 11 under-par.
Originally published at 15.26
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Irish Open Lee Westwood Royal County Down