Organisers of the Irish Open today announced that they have extended their sponsorship deal with Dubai Duty Free, further securing the future of the tournament.
Dubai Duty Free will remain as the headline sponsors of the event for two more years, with an option of two further years, potentially taking the deal up until 2022.
The four year arrangement will see the event remain within the elite Rolex Series in the European Tour.
The 2018 Irish Open will be staged on the Glashedy Links at Ballyliffin in Donegal from 5 July to 9 July with a prize fund of more than €7million.
Jon Rahm will defend the title he won at Portstewart last year and will seek to become the first golfer to defend his crown at the tournament since Colin Montgomerie in 1997.
"It was extremely special last year," said Rahm. "It was also the first time I was leading or tied for the lead going into the final round and to perform the way I did was amazing, making a great par save on two and then holing out on four, on top of the display of golf I had after that.
"It’s really easy to get comfortable and hold on to the score but I just kept making birdies and hitting good shots and I experienced a part of myself which I didn’t know I had, so it was a lot of fun.
"It’s amazing that Rolex is partnering with the European Tour to do such a great thing as the Rolex Series. I’m excited for it and excited that it counts more towards the Ryder Cup because then it’s easier for us to play both tours. Those events serve as a highlight for the year."
