FOLLOWING RECENT REVELATIONS that it was struggling financially and had lost its sponsor, the Irish Open is set for another setback after it was announced that several of the world’s top players will miss the competition.
US PGA champion Martin Kaymer, England’s Ian Poulter, Americans Bubba Watson and Dustin Johnson, Edoardo Molinari of Italy and Spaniards Alvaro Quiros and Miguel Angel Jimenez are all set to partake in a two-day matchplay invitational tournament at Dusseldorf instead.
The news will come as a blow to organisers, who were hoping Rory McIlroy’s confirmation that he would play in the event would alleviate their financial problems.
Fans also have the added incentive of possibly getting to play a round with McIlroy should they buy a ticket, as everyone who purchases one is entered into a draw with the chance of winning this prize.
The tournament is set to take place between 28 and 31 July, and will also feature a host of other Irish golfers including Graeme McDowell and Pádraig Harrington.
Meanwhile, McIlroy visited the PGA European Tour headquarters in Wentworth yesterday, as he prepares for the British Open in two weeks time.
The US Open winner also spent some time at Wimbledon today, where he met Andy Murray and John McEnroe amongst others.
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