Darren Clarke is predicting a “massive” Irish Open at Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort from May 15-18 after his victory in Shanghai last Sunday further boosted home hopes of glory.
Clarke’s triumph in the BMW Asian Open, his first European Tour victory in nearly five years, followed the success of fellow Ulsterman Graeme McDowell in the Ballantine’s Championship in Korea, and then the maiden triumph of Co. Meath’s Damien McGrane in the Volvo China Open in Beijing.
It is the first time since 2002 that three Irishmen have won on The European Tour International Schedule and with Padraig Harrington returning to defend the title in his first competitive appearance on home soil as Open Champion, the Irish fans will have plenty to celebrate at Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort.
“The win has made me look forward to the Irish Open even more than I would have done before,” said Clarke. “With Graeme McDowell and Damien McGrane both winning recently and now me, I think we will have a massive tournament and it will be a brilliant event.
“With there being only one tournament in Ireland this year it will be even more special. Graeme’s win in the Ballantine’s and Damien’s win in Beijing were fantastic for Irish golf and it is great to see. I think it was inspired by Padraig winning the Irish title last year followed by The Open. These are great times for Irish golf.”
Clarke was unable to compete at Adare Manor last year but with the tournament only a fortnight away, the 39 year old is raring to go.
“I was sitting at home last year, unable play because of commitments, and watched Padraig win. The course looked fantastic. I have only played it once before, in JP McManus’s Pro-Am, and I am sure it will be a fantastic week.”
Another Ulsterman, Rory McIlroy, who turns 19 on Sunday, is relishing the opportunity of teeing up in Ireland for the first time as a professional. McIlory has only played in the Irish Open once before, as an amateur in 2005 at Carton House, where he missed the cut.
Since then he became the world’s top ranked amateur before bursting onto The European Tour last year as the youngest, and quickest, Affiliate Member to secure his card.
“Every time I have played in Ireland, whether in an amateur event or an Irish Open, I have always had a lot of support,” said the teenager from Holywood. “Irish Opens have always had a very special atmosphere although I have never played Adare Manor before. I am looking forward to it as it is supposed to be a good test, a good challenge.
“It is going to be a great Irish Open and with all the Irish players playing so well at the moment it will just add to the atmosphere in the build up to it. It is one I have been looking forward to for the whole year.”
Anyone purchasing a ticket in advance of the tournament will be entered into a draw to play with Padraig Harrington in the Pro-Am on Wednesday May 14. One ticket will guarantee one entry into the prize draw, and all entrants must be available to play at any time of day on Wednesday, May 14. All entrants must have an official handicap of 24 or below for men and 36 or below for women.
Advance tickets for The 2008 Irish Open will be available at a 20 per cent discount until May 10, 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 onhereor by contacting +353 (0) 61 605250.
For further information on Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort contact: +353 61 605200 or visithere
