IRELAND/UAE. The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Hosted by the Rory Foundation began in glorious playing conditions at Portstewart Golf Club on Thursday, with a strong visitor attendance at the course and a big TV audience expected over the event’s four days. With many of the world’s leading golfers competing, the tournament is a hugely high-profile showcase for Dubai Duty Free.
The US$7 million prize fund is a rise of more than US$4.4 million compared to 2016, and the event also benefits from its status as part of the new Rolex Series on the European Tour.
Speaking shortly before the event began, Dubai Duty Free Executive Vice Chairman & CEO Colm McLoughlin said: “We are very pleased with how this tournament has progressed over the past couple of years. As part of the Rolex Series and of course the Race to Dubai, the tournament will have extended broadcasting hours this year, which is something important to us as title sponsors in the promotion of our brand.”
Up and coming Irish star Paul Dunne shoots a stellar -5 on day one to enter contention
He added: “The line-up of players is terrific and of course Rory [McIlroy]’s continued involvement, both as the defending champion and through the Rory Foundation, has had a hugely positive impact on the growth of this tournament. We are looking forward to a fantastic week of golf at Portstewart Golf Club, which is a stunning course, and given the enthusiasm of the Northern Irish golf fans we can expect a great turnout of spectators.”
Top pro Lee Westwood (in white) played with a team of duty free executives in the Wednesday Pro-Am, including King Power Hong Kong’s Sunil Tuli, The Moodie Davitt Report’s Dermot Davitt and former ARI-Middle East chief John Sutcliffe; caddying were GTR Sales’ David Spillane and long-time golf tour veteran Billy Foster (left and second left)
As well as four-time Major winner Rory McIlroy, who is hosting the event, former US Open winner Justin Rose, Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama, Spain’s Jon Rahm, 2016 Masters winner Danny Willett, Northern Irish Major champions Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell and Ireland’s three-time Major champion Padraig Harrington are competing.
Colm McLoughlin: Extended broadcasting hours for the tournament is a key element for Dubai Duty Free as title sponsor
Centre of attention: The huge media interest in the event is aided by the popularity of Rory McIlroy, who speaks to reporters after his level par round on Thursday
At the pro-Am event on Wednesday, former Ryder Cup captain and current pro golfer Paul McGinley praised McLoughlin and the impact of Dubai Duty Free in helping to revive the Irish Open.
He said: “I’d like to pay tribute to Colm McLoughlin. Colm went abroad in 1983 with a group of Irish colleagues to open an airport shop in Dubai, and he and his team have built this one-store business into a US$2 billion industry today. They have led the way in the worldwide duty free business. It’s a great story.
“Rory McIlroy is superstar of our game and in my view the best player in the world. Well, Colm, you are the Rory McIlroy of duty free, and we are so proud that you are Irish.”
Paul McGinley: Paid tribute to Colm McLoughlin and Dubai Duty Free
