Ian Woosnam and Nick Faldo, recently appointed European Captains for The 2006 and 2008 Ryder Cups respectively, have both confirmed they will play in the Nissan Irish Open at Carton House Golf Club, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, from May 19-22, 2005.
The Welshman and the Englishman are two of the tournament’’s great champions, having won the title five times between them in a period of dominance from 1988 to 1993, and their return will ensure bumper crowds flock to the new venue for the event, which features a prize fund of €2 million.
Woosnam, who will Captain Europe at The K Club from September 22-24, 2006, won his two Irish Open titles at Portmarnock, the first one in 1988, with Faldo finishing in a tie for second, and again in 1989.
“I am excited to be returning to Ireland for the first time since being appointed Captain for next year’’s Ryder Cup,” said Woosnam. “I have been visiting the country for as long as I can remember and have fond memories of my back to back wins at Portmarnock.
“I have always had a wonderful relationship with the Irish people, who are so friendly and welcoming, and it will be great to play in the Nissan Irish Open at Carton House.”
Faldo, who will Captain Europe at Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky in September 2008, went one better than Woosnam with three consecutive victories in the Nissan Irish Open from 1991 to 1993, the first two at Killarney with the latter being at Mount Juliet.
"Like many of my fellow professionals, I have always enjoyed playing at the Nissan Irish Open and am very much looking forward to the tournament this year,” said Faldo. “The prospect of playing on a new course offers up an additional challenge, but I'm sure that the tremendous spirit of the competition will remain unchanged.
"I am very proud of my achievements at the Nissan Irish Open having won on three occasions and it would be fantastic if, this year, I could become the first player to lift the trophy for the fourth time."
Commenting on the announcement, Gerard O’’Toole, Executive Chairman, Nissan Ireland said: “We are delighted that the third Nissan Irish Open is attracting such high calibre players as Ian Woosnam and Nick Faldo. The new date and the superb location at Carton House will no doubt make this one of the best tournaments on the golfing calendar this year.”
Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, John O’’Donoghue T.D. said: "It is a great result for the Nissan Irish Open to have confirmed the participation of Ian Woosnam and Nick Faldo, both golfing legends and the leaders of the next two European Ryder Cup campaigns.
“The eyes of the golfing world will be on Ireland this summer. I look forward to a tremendous Open on a wonderful course, and the important boost that world-class competition gives both to golf tourism here and also to our status as a top destination for international sporting events.”
