Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Hideki set to play at Irish Open
HIDEKI MATSUYAMA’S addition to the line-up for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open means two of the world’s top four and three of the world’s top 10 will be in Portstewart on July 6-9. The 25-year-old is ranked fourth in the world and has won three times on the PGA Tour since last May – including at the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai. The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, hosted by The Rory Foundation, the third Rolex Series event of the season, will feature a record $7 million prize fund when it takes places at Portstewart Golf Club for the first time. Matsuyama’s maiden appearance in the Irish Open boosts a field that already includes major winners Rory Mcilroy, Justin Rose, Danny Willett, Padraig Harrington, Graeme Mcdowell and Darren Clarke, along with new stars Jon Rahm and Justin Rose. In his last seven appearances in the majors, Matsuyama has claimed three top 10s and two more top 20 finishes. Matsuyama said: “I am really looking forward to playing the Irish Open for the first time. I have heard great things about the tournament and about the Northern Irish fans. “It is important to play some links golf ahead of The Open Championship and I’m sure Portstewart will be perfect preparation. “I know Rory puts a lot into this tournament and he has done an incredible job raising its profile. I’m really excited.” Matsuyama’s compatriot Hideto Tanihara has also confirmed his participation at Portstewart, with the World Number 47 making his debut at the event having finished in a share of third at the very first Rolex Series event two weeks ago.