As the build up to The 2008 Irish Open gathers momentum, the Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort and The European Tour are anticipating a hugely successful week at this year’s event, the 53rd edition of the championship.
With Padraig Harrington defending the title he so dramatically won after his sudden-death play-off with Bradley Dredge last year, as well as The Irish Open’s status as the only Irish tournament on The 2008 European Tour International Schedule, this year’s event from May 15-18 promises to be an essential date on Ireland’s sporting calendar.
Harrington, of course, went on to add The Open Championship title to his Irish Open crown last summer, and will make his first competitive appearance on home soil since his Carnoustie triumph at Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort.
Tom Kane, Managing Partner, Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort, said: “Both Judy and I are delighted to be welcoming The Irish Open back to Adare Manor in 2008 and particularly happy to be welcoming reigning champion Padraig Harrington back to the scene of last year’s victory.
“The key to the success of the tournament in 2007 was the way the Irish people supported the event throughout the four days and I am confident that we will see even bigger galleries in 2008, especially as the Irish Open is the only European Tour event taking place in Ireland this year, thus offering the public the first opportunity to see Padraig Harrington play on his home soil.
“I wish to once again thank all of our Proud Partners, Official Sponsors and Corporate Supporters of the event without whom staging such an event would not be possible.”
George O’Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour, said: “The European Tour enjoys a quite unique relationship with Irish golf, its players and its fans. We are confident that The 2008 Irish Open, where Padraig Harrington, as the reigning Open Champion, will return to defend The Irish Open title in his home country, will further enhance that outstanding relationship.”
The 2008 Irish Open is being supported by Proud Partners Failte Ireland, McNamara, McInerney and Road Bridge as well as Official Sponsors Audi, Limerick County Council, Shannon Development and Rolex.
Throughout April, advance tickets for The 2008 Irish Open are available at a 20 per cent discount, with Daily Tickets reduced from €25 to €20, and Season Ticket prices cut from €75 to €60. Junior fans aged 16 or under accompanied by an adult will be admitted free of charge throughout the tournament week. Full details of tickets and corporate hospitality are available onwww.irishopen.ieor by contacting
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