Major man McDowell to play in Irish Open

The European Tour and the high speed network, 3, have confirmed that US Open champion Graeme McDowell will play in this year's 3 Irish Open at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club.

The event takes place from July 29 to August 1 and will see the Golf Monthly columnist tee it up in front of his own fans.

McDowell said: "I look forward to the 3 Irish Open every year, but to able to compete in front of the Irish fans as a Major winner will be an awesome feeling.

"It's shaping up to be a great event down in Killarney - I know that 3, The Tour and Failte Ireland are working hard on putting together a great event over the bank holiday weekend."

The 3 Irish Open has seen numerous Major champions go on to play in Ireland and claim victory, including US Open champion Hubert Green (1977), Masters winner Seve Ballesteros (1983), Open victor Sir Nick Faldo (1992) and recent Claret Jug winner Padraig Harrington (2007).

Robert Finnegan, CEO of 3, said: "To have world class players like Graeme standing on the tee in Killarney amongst many of the other top international golfers will make the 3 Irish Open one of the best sporting events in Ireland this year."

Maurice O'Meara, general manager at Killarney, said: "The late Payne Stewart was welcomed here for the Irish Open in 1991 as US Open Champion and we are sure that Graeme will receive a wonderful welcome here on his arrival as a Major champion."

Tickets can be bought at all 3Stores, through ticketmaster.ie or at Ticketmaster booths across Ireland. For further information contact the European Tour on 01344 840400.

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