THE IRISH Open will be played at the K Club in 2023, 2024,and 2027.
Next year will be the second time the event has been hosted at the course. Rory McIlroy claimed a famous victory in 2016
DP World Tour chiefs - who brokered the agreement - also confirmed that the resort’s second Arnold Palmer-designed course, Palmer South, will also play host to the Challenge Tour’s Irish Challenge in the intervening years, beginning this July and again in 2024 and 2026.
The announcement continues the momentum surrounding the Horizon Irish Open, with Horizon Therapeutics - the global biotechnology company headquartered in Dublin – having signed a six-year title sponsorship deal in February, beginning with this year’s event at Mount Juliet Estate (June 30-July 3).
Ten years earlier, the stunning Kildare venue made history when it became the first Irish venue to host the Ryder Cup. Under Captain Ian Woosnam, Europe marched to a commanding 18½-9½ victory over the USA – with recently-announced European Captain for 2023, Henrik Stenson, holding the winning putt on his debut in the biennial contest.
The K Club is well known as a venue for hosting successful, international golf events. Today we are thrilled to announce, beginning July 22, we will host the Irish Challenge followed by the @IrishOpen_ in 23. Each will run on alternative years up to 2027. https://t.co/Q0Lf6SZ00u pic.twitter.com/ZjlEwdHosv
— thekclubgolf (@TheKClubGolf) April 25, 2022
Guy Kinnings, the DP World Tour’s Deputy CEO, Ryder Cup Director and Chief Commercial Officer, said:
“We share a special connection with The K Club through their hosting of the 2006 Ryder Cup, and we thank them for their commitment to the development of Irish golf through this long-term deal with both the DP World Tour and Challenge Tour.
"This news, along with the announcement earlier in the year of Horizon as title sponsors of the Irish Open until at least 2027, underlines the strength of our sport in Ireland, as we build towards the return of the Ryder Cup to Irish shores for its centenary edition in five years’ time at Adare Manor.”
Minister of State for Sport and the Gaeltacht, Jack Chambers TD, said: “Ireland has a rich tradition in producing world-class golfing talent and I am particularly delighted to see so many Irish golfers in the field for the 2022 tournament.
"The Government’s investment in the Golf Ireland Professional Scheme continues to assist Ireland’s emerging professional players as they strive to progress through the ranks.