THE K CLUB TO HOST HORIZON IRISH OPEN IN 2023, 2025 AND 2027 •
Ireland’s national open to return to The K Club for first time since 2016
•
Former Ryder Cup venue will also host Challenge Tour’s Irish Challenge in 2022, 2024 and 2026
•
Announcement underlines growing momentum in Irish golf in anticipation of 2027 Ryder Cup
The Horizon Irish Open will return to The K Club as part of a long-term deal with the DP World Tour, which will see the island of Ireland’s national Open played at the former Ryder Cup venue in 2023, 2025 and 2027. The K Club’s commitment to the development of Irish professional golf is further enhanced by the news that the resort’s second Arnold Palmerdesigned 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 04
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 from June 30-July 3. Next year will be just the second time The K Club has hosted the Irish Open, having done so for the first time in 2016, when four-time Major winner Rory McIlroy claimed a famous victory which will live long in the memory of Irish sports fans. Ten years prior to that momentous occasion, 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 recentlyannounced European Captain for 2023, Henrik Stenson, holing the winning putt on his debut in the biennial contest. 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. The Horizon Irish Open is a wonderful showcase for Irish golf and for Ireland as a tourism destination.
