The news is not official yet but the search for a new sponsor for the Irish Open is over and the telecommunications giant Three will take over the sponsorship of the event next May on an initial three year contract.
The prize fund will be raised by 20 percent to €3 million which is generally regarded as a premium event prize fund on the European Tour.
The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism Martin Cullen has been at the heart of the negotiations to secure the future of the Open since Adare Manor had to step down from their commitment a few months ago.
