Rory McIlroy has significantly increased his commitment to the Irish Open with the announcement that his charitable foundation, The Rory Foundation, will become the official tournament host from next year.
The 2015 Irish Open Hosted by The Rory Foundation will be held from 28-31 May in McIlroy’s native Northern Ireland at Royal County Down, a venue which is particularly close to the world number one’s heart and one which witnessed his final appearance as an amateur, in the 2007 Walker Cup.
The Rory Foundation, which was set up at the start of last year to raise funds for children’s charities across the world, will also become the tournament’s official charity, with the beneficiaries to be chosen by the Foundation in conjunction with the European Tour.
As the tournament host, McIlroy is committed to enhancing an already world-class field by recruiting his fellow players from both the European and US PGA Tours, and the four-time major champion will also work closely alongside the tour in developing the event’s commercial and sponsorship activities.
At the announcement, McIlroy said: “Since making my debut in 2005, the Irish Open has always been a special tournament to me.
"I am excited to be partnering with George O’Grady and the European Tour, especially for next year’s tournament at Royal County Down.”
One of the major beneficiaries of The Rory Foundation, the Cancer Fund for Children, is located just a few miles from Royal County Down, in Newcastle.
McIlroy added: “It’s a coincidence, but a nice one, allowing the Cancer Fund for Children to be introduced to other golfers who would be moved and engaged by what it does.”
