Open qualifier for Rosapenna

IRELAND’S PGA professionals and six GUI-nominated amateurs will battle for four spots in the

$7million Dubai Duty Free Irish Open via a 36-hole qualifier at Rosapenna Hotel and Golf Resort in Co Donegal from June 30 to July 1.

The 144-strong field, which will also feature 12 players invited by the European Tour, will play two rounds over the Pat Ruddy-designed, 7,195-yard Sandy Hills Links the weekend before the game’s elite tees it up at Ballyliffin’s Glashedy Links from July 5-8.

First revealed in a circular to PGA in Ireland members last September, the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Qualifier is open to PGA in Ireland members and registered assistants with a sudden death play-off confirmed in the event of a tie for the top four places.

While the six leading players from the previous season’s PGA in Ireland Order of Merit no longer qualify automatically for what is now a huge Rolex Series event, they at least get to play for €40,000 in prize money and four coveted spots alongside the superstars.

The move replicates the qualifier for the European Tour’s Aberdeen Asset Investments Scottish Open, which was introduced in 2015.

Rosapenna, which will host the AIG Irish Amateur Close in 2020, is hoping its first major professional event can strengthen its credentials as a top tournament venue.