Dubai Duty Free Irish Open
Portstewart GC will be a “hidden” gem no more once Rory & co tee it up
With its elevated status as one of the European Tour’s eight new Rolex Series events, a record $7m purse, a cast headed by event host Rory McIlroy and views to die for like this, the July 6-9 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Portstewart GC is set to be the biggest in the event’s storied history. McIlroy’s title defence will be no cinch with Olympic champion Justin Rose, fellow major winners Darren Clarke, Graeme McDowell and Danny Willett and Englishmen Lee Westwood, Tyrrell Hatton and Tommy Fleetwood confirmed starters in what is the first leg of a three week links land extravaganza culminating in the 146th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. A key test will come from the likes of the stepped tee boxes of the Strand course’s 218-yard par 3 3rd where concentrating on the event’s enhanced Race to Dubai points offering, rather than the stunning Antrim coast views, will be a challenge. Next month’s tournament marks the third year of Dubai Duty Free’s title sponsorship in partnership with the Rory Foundation. The #DDFIrishOpen opens July 4 when McIlroy hosts a charity event at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall and is set to benefit from enhanced broadcast, digital and social media coverage courtesy of the Rolex Series status.