Golf

Rory McIlroy to become official host of Irish Open

World number one to help develop event through his charity The Rory Foundation

Rory McIlroy practices on the range ahead of the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in Auchterarder, Scotland. Photograph: Andrew Redington/Getty Images
Rory McIlroy practices on the range ahead of the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in Auchterarder, Scotland. Photograph: Andrew Redington/Getty Images
Mon Sept 22 2014 - 09:47

Rory McIlroy’s charitable foundation, The Rory Foundation, will become the official tournament host of the Irish Open from next year.

The event is due to be held from May 28th-31st in at Royal County Down, the venue of his final appearance as an amateur, in the 2007 Walker Cup.

The Rory Foundation, set up at the start of last year to raise funds for children’s charities across the world, will also become the tournament’s official charity, with the beneficiaries to be chosen by the Foundation in conjunction with the European Tour.

He said: “Since making my debut in 2005, the Irish Open has always been a special tournament to me.

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“I am excited to be partnering with George O’Grady and the European Tour, especially for next year’s tournament at Royal County Down.”

One of the major beneficiaries of The Rory Foundation, the Cancer Fund for Children, is located just a few miles from Royal County Down, in Newcastle.

O’Grady said: “The European Tour is thrilled that Rory and his Foundation would wish to partner with the Tour and become more closely involved in the development of the Irish Open.

“Today’s announcement further demonstrates Rory’s uniquely special qualities and his commitment not simply to his national Open, but also to the European Tour.”