Rory Foundation hosted the dubai duty free irish open 2017 in portstewart

The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open hosted by the Rory Foundation returned to Northern Ireland in 2017 after Portstewart Golf Club was confirmed as the host venue from the 6^th to the 9^th of July. From 2017, the Irish Open will be part of the Rolex Series, an exciting new alliance of leading tournaments which will strengthen the golf schedule. The prize fund will be $7million. The innovative concept is one of the most significant advancements in the Tour’s 44 years and will enhance both the competitive and entertainment experience for members and fans around the world.

Founded in 1894 and long considered one of the country’s finest links courses, Portstewart will be staging a European Tour event for the first time when tournament host Rory McIlroy defends his title there next summer.

Set on Ulster’s stunning Causeway Coast, Portstewart features three 18-hole layouts, with the Des Giffin-designed Strand Course – which will host the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open – considered the jewel in the crown.

2017 marks our third year as title sponsor of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open and our second time in Northern Ireland, where in 2015 we saw first-hand how enthusiastic and loyal the golf fans are. We are looking forward to working with the European Tour and the Rory Foundation on delivering another fantastic tournament, and one that the players, spectators and a global TV audience will remember for some time to come – Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman & CEO, Dubai Duty Free

We are delighted to announce that the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open hosted by the Rory Foundation will be staged at Portstewart in 2017. Thanks in no small part to Rory McIlroy’s personal commitment alongside that of his Foundation, the Irish Open has unquestionably grown in stature over recent years. We also must thank our partners in the championship – title sponsors Dubai Duty Free and the Northern Ireland Government – for their continued vision and commitment not only to this event, but to the European Tour as a whole – Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the European Tour

Since the Rory Foundation began hosting the Irish Open in 2015, we have seen the tournament go from strength to strength. We view the Irish Open as a platform for positive change, enabling the Rory Foundation to activate innovative and impactful initiatives in the areas of most need. Having the tournament return to Northern Ireland is very special to us, and I have no doubt that huge crowds will come along to the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open to see Rory defend his title on the links of Portstewart – Barry Funston, CEO of the Rory Foundation

Portstewart is an excellent links course and one of Northern Ireland’s hidden gems, so it’s great news that we are taking the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open there in 2017. Winning at The K Club in 2016 was without doubt one of the highlights of my career, and I’m already looking forward to defending my title at Portstewart. The crowds at Portrush and Royal County Down were unbelievable, and I’m sure the people of Northern Ireland will come out to support the tournament again next year – Rory McIlroy