JULIET LOOKS TWICE AS NICE

MICHAEL SCULLY

THE Irish Open at Mount Juliet will see prize money almost doubled from last year to €6m.

The DP World Tour (formerly European Tour) has announced that the event, which tees off on June 30, will be sponsored by Horizon Therapeutics for the next six years.

The Dublin-based global biotechnology company takes on the baton from Dubai Duty Free.

While the Irish Open has still rejoined the Rolex Series, some top American players may be on their way to the Kilkenny venue – the sponsorship was formed through the new strategic alliance between DP World Tour and the PGA Tour.

Prizemoney fell to

€1.2m in 2020 but was raised to €3.42m last year, so this year’s prize fund is a big increase again.

Mount Juliet also hosted the Irish Open last year and it was won by the Australia’s Lucas Herbert (inset).

Once more, the Irish Open will be part of the Open Qualifying Series – so the top three players not exempt will earn a spot in the 150th Open Championship, which will take place at St Andrews a fortnight later.

It is not yet known if Rory Mcilroy (above) will compete this year, given his busy schedule around that period.

Guy Kinnings, chief commercial officer of the European Tour group, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Horizon as the new title partner of the Irish Open.

“It is a tournament which always holds a special place in the global golfing calendar thanks to its history, the world-renowned Irish fans and of course the many worldclass players the island has produced.

“It is a sign of Horizon’s commitment to golf on the island of Ireland that they have committed until at least 2027 and we very much look forward to working with them.”