Rory McIlroy has confirmed that he will return to the Irish Open this year after missing the 2019 tournament.
World number one will join tournament host Graeme McDowell for this year’s tournament at Mount Juliet May 28-31, with Open champion Shane Lowry also included on the field.
Jon Rahm will defend the title he won at Lahinch in 2019, the second triumph of the Irish Open by the Spaniard.
“I can’t wait to see it,” said four-time Major’s winner McIlroy.
“It is a little different to come back for a date of May compared to July, and on a course in a park in Mount Juliet.
“I have never played on the field but I have fond memories – it was the first time I watched Tiger Woods play in person.”
McIlroy hosted the Irish Open between 2015 and 2018 – winner at Club K in 2016 – but withdrew from the 2019 championship in order to prepare for the Open Championship at Royal Portrush.
The 2010 US Open champion McDowell took over the organization of the 2020 tournament at the County Kilkenny site, succeeding Paul McGinley.
“I enjoyed hosting the event – it’s a privilege to host your national tournament,” added McIlroy, 30.
“I would say to GMac, try to prepare as best you can for the tournament and make sure it does its job before the week.
“You have a lot going on, but I think everyone who organizes a tournament knows this.”
BBC Sport NI will have the highlights of each round of the 2020 Irish Open from Mount Juliet.
Rory McIlroy has confirmed that he will return to the Irish Open this year after missing the 2019 tournament.
World number one will join tournament host Graeme McDowell for this year’s tournament at Mount Juliet May 28-31, with Open champion Shane Lowry also included on the field.
Jon Rahm will defend the title he won at Lahinch in 2019, the second triumph of the Irish Open by the Spaniard.
“I can’t wait to see it,” said four-time Major’s winner McIlroy.
“It is a little different to come back for a date of May compared to July, and on a course in a park in Mount Juliet.
“I have never played on the field but I have fond memories – it was the first time I watched Tiger Woods play in person.”
McIlroy hosted the Irish Open between 2015 and 2018 – winner at Club K in 2016 – but withdrew from the 2019 championship in order to prepare for the Open Championship at Royal Portrush.
The 2010 US Open champion McDowell took over the organization of the 2020 tournament at the County Kilkenny site, succeeding Paul McGinley.
“I enjoyed hosting the event – it’s a privilege to host your national tournament,” added McIlroy, 30.
“I would say to GMac, try to prepare as best you can for the tournament and make sure it does its job before the week.
“You have a lot going on, but I think everyone who organizes a tournament knows this.”
BBC Sport NI will have the highlights of each round of the 2020 Irish Open from Mount Juliet.