Champion Irish golfer has confirmed that he will play the Irish Open in Kerry, next summer, rather than play in the ATT National tournament at Congressional outside Washington,  where he won the US Open earlier this year.

The Irish Open takes place on June 28th to July 1st. Currently, the event has no venue and no sponsor, although now that McIlroy has signed on it has some hope.

McIroy said, “At the end of the day it's about doing the right thing, and that means helping the tournament in Ireland.”

According to reports in the Daily Mail, he said, “One of the reasons why I want to commit to the Irish Open now is to help attract a sponsor and a venue…Of course I feel the responsibility. I know people back home are struggling and I know it would be a huge disappointment to them if I decided to play in America that week. Yes, it would have been lovely to go back to Congressional and relive what happened last June. But a lot of people in Ireland have enough troubles without me upsetting them by deciding to play elsewhere.”

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In a European Tour statement, the 22-year-old said, “For me the Irish Open has always been, and will continue to be, one of the most important events on the global golf calendar.

"It's our national open and it's obviously a title that I would love to win at some stage in my career.

"With Irish golf on such a high in recent years, it is important that we put on a good show not only for the home fans, but also for the global golf audience who will be watching the event on TV.

"A lot has been made of me joining the PGA Tour again next year, but in reality it's not a drastic change to the schedule I have played in recent seasons.

"It just means that I will be adding a few more events to my schedule in America in 2012.

"I'll continue to play a similar schedule of events in Europe and will obviously fulfill my commitment to the European Tour."

Speaking about his plans for 2012, after his hectic schedule this year, he said, “I've just finished my schedule for next year up to the Ryder Cup and it is built around trying to find a balance that will let me give my best while allowing me to spend some weeks with Caroline.”

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