LAHINCH TO HOST IRISH OPEN IN 2019

Lahinch Golf Club in County Clare will stage the Irish Open for the first time next year.

Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley will host the event at the links course on 4-7 July. The hosting role will be rotated each year between McGinley and major champions Darren Clarke, Padraig Harrington and Graeme McDowell.

They are taking over from Rory McIlroy, who has been tournament host since 2015 and he will relinquish the role after this year’s Irish Open at Ballyliffin in County Donegal. The four-time major champion won the tournament in 2016 when it was held at the K Club.

The decision to hold the event at Lahinch was made after consultation with McGinley. There will be a prize fund of $7m and it will be a Rolex Series event on the European Tour.