The Rory Foundation to host the Irish Open in 2015

[deasy55]

Great news for the event considering it hasn't had a main sponsor in a few years

 

 

http://www.rorymcilroy.com/15.pdf

 

Sunday September 21, 2014

 

The Rory Foundation to host the Irish Open in 2015

 

Rory McIlroy has significantly increased his commitment to the Irish Open with the announcement

that his charitable foundation, The Rory Foundation, will become the official tournament host from

next year.

 

The 2015 Irish Open Hosted by The Rory Foundation will be held from May 28-31 in McIlroy’s native

Northern Ireland at Royal County Down, a venue which is particularly close to the World Number

One’s heart and one which witnessed his final appearance as an amateur, in the 2007 Walker Cup.

 

The Rory Foundation, which was set up at the start of last year to raise funds for children’s charities

across the world, will also become the tournament’s official charity, with the beneficiaries to be

chosen by the Foundation in conjunction with The European Tour.

 

As the tournament host, McIlroy is committed to enhancing an already world-class field by recruiting

his fellow players from both The European and US PGA Tours, and the four-time Major Champion

will also work closely alongside the Tour in developing the event’s commercial and sponsorship

activities.

 

At the announcement, which was made on Sky Sports on Sunday evening, McIlroy said: “Since

making my debut in 2005, the Irish Open has always been a special tournament to me. I am excited

to be partnering with George O’Grady and The European Tour, especially for next year’s tournament

at Royal County Down.”

 

One of the major beneficiaries of The Rory Foundation, the Cancer Fund for Children, is located just

a few miles from Royal County Down, in Newcastle.

 

McIlroy added: “It’s a coincidence, but a nice one, allowing the Cancer Fund for Children to be

introduced to other golfers who would be moved and engaged by what it does.”

 

Welcoming the announcement, O’Grady said: “Since I first met Rory when he was playing for Europe

in the 2004 Junior Ryder Cup team in Detroit, I could sense he was not just a remarkably talented

golfer, but also a remarkable young man.

 

“As the Chief Executive of The European Tour, it has been a true pleasure watching Rory’s transition

from one of the world’s leading amateur golfers in 2007 to the Number One golfer in the world and

a four-time Major Champion.

 

 

“The European Tour is thrilled that Rory and his Foundation would wish to partner with the Tour and

become more closely involved in the development of the Irish Open. Today’s announcement further

demonstrates Rory’s uniquely special qualities and his commitment not simply to his national Open,

but also to The European Tour.”

[kemau]

 

 

"Rory McIlroy and George O'Grady with Jason Wessely, Executive Producer of Golf at Sky Sports and David Livingstone is Sky Sports Golf main presenter"

[Ronanraff]

Fantastic news for the event. Always one of the best supported events on tour and if Rory brings some invites along to Royal County Down it should make for a great tournament. RCD is a world class links course and should attract a strong field. Looking forward to it already!
Just realised the photo on the left taken there! :-)

[south_side_lefty]

Great news. The Irish Open is one of my favorite Euro events.

[imakaveli]

Well done Rory! Great way to support your country!

[PGArox]

This is nice. The Irish Open is one of the best tournaments on the European Tour, and more especially when it is played on a course with the standing and history of Royal County Down.

I'm looking forward to the 2015 Irish Open, and I hope they draw an exceptionally strong field.

[Scaldy]

What a refreshingly positive story! Yay.

[MyShortGameSucks]

Great news. Will be fun to tune in and see the top pro golfers play what I consider to be the best golf course in the world!

[PZero]

I wonder if he will still do the Memorial Tournament?