Irish Open golf tournament set for County Down, first time in 70 years

Lough Erne Resort set to stage the Irish Open in 2017.

The Irish Open will be held in Northern Ireland in two of the next three years, the European Tour has revealed.

Royal County Down will host the tournament for the first time since 1939 from May 28-31 next year, with Lough Erne Resort staging the event in 2017.

The Irish Open was last held in Northern Ireland in 2012.

European Tour chief executive George O'Grady said, "The Irish Open at Royal Portrush in 2012 captured the imagination of the country after a lengthy absence and we are delighted to confirm that the tournament will be back in Northern Ireland next year at another magnificent links venue in Royal County Down, before returning again in 2017 at Lough Erne Resort.”

O’Grady also said “We must acknowledge the vision and commitment of First Minister Peter
Robinson, Minister Arlene Foster and their colleagues within the Northern Ireland Executive and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board to secure the return of the Irish Open to Northern Ireland in 2015 and 2017, which further underlines the country's presence on the world stage following the outstanding achievements of its players in recent years.

"Indeed, it was Rory McIlroy's inspired suggestion to me during the 2013 BMW Masters in China that proved to be the catalyst for today's announcement and we are confident that our players will relish the chance to compete for the Irish Open title at this iconic links course next year."

McIlroy said, "We all thoroughly enjoyed the experience of playing an Irish Open in Northern Ireland two years ago so it is fantastic news that we will have another chance in 2015 and again in 2017.

"Royal County Down is another great links course, which I know particularly well, and it is one which I am very proud of as a Northern Irishman, so I'm delighted to have the opportunity to play an Irish Open there. I'm sure the fans will come out and support us again and make it another week to remember."

This year's Irish Open will be staged at the Fota Island Resort in Cork from June 19 – 22.