Sign up for our daily newsletter
Latest news, reviews, analysis and opinion, plus unmissable deals for bunkered subscriptions, events, and our commercial partners.
• Irish Open in big pre-Scottish Open scheduling move
• It’ll take place at Portstewart Golf Club from July 6-9
• The Rory Foundation will once again host the event
The 2017 Irish Open has undergone a big scheduling switch and will now take place a week before the Scottish Open at Dundonald Links.
The move, which will mean a three-week links swing concluding at the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale from July 20-23, has long been mooted and will therefore shift the French Open from its traditional spot of being staged two weeks before the Open.
Once again, the venue for the event will also change, with Portstewart Golf Club confirmed as a European Tour host venue for the first time in its history.
Read more -> Scottish Open attendance nosedives
Featuring three stunning 18-hole layouts, the Irish Open – which will once again be sponsored by Dubai Duty Free and in association with the Rory Foundation – will take place on the Des Giffin-designed Strand Course which has hosted numerous amateur tournaments including the 2014 Amateur Championship won by Bradley Neil.
CONTINUES BELOW…
Keith Pelley, chief executive of the European Tour, said: “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. I have no doubt that next year’s edition at Portstewart will add another memorable chapter to the history of this great championship.”
Read more -> Dustin Johnson ‘would consider’ Dundonald
McIlroy said: “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 next year. Winning at The K Club earlier this year was without doubt one of the highlights of my career, and I’m already looking forward to defending my title at Portstewart next July.
“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.”
Schedule in short
July 6-9: Irish Open
July 13-16: Scottish Open
July 20-23: The Open
Irish Open switch :: Good or bad for Scottish Open?
Do you think the Irish Open’s move to the week before the Scottish Open will be good or bad news for the event? Leave your thoughts in the ‘Comments’ section below.
ALL ABOUT THE OPEN
More Reads
The bunkered Golf Course Guide - Scotland
Now, with bunkered, you can discover the golf courses Scotland has to offer. Trust us, you will not be disappointed.
Find Courses