Shane Lowry has confirmed he will play in the rescheduled Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, which takes place at at Galgorm Castle in Antrim on 24-27 September.
The event was originally supposed to take place in May at Mount Juliet until the Covid-19 pandemic forced its postponement.
The new date comes just a week after the rescheduled US Open, which will pose logistical challenges for players who want to compete in both events.
Former winner Rory McIlroy announced last month that he would be staying in the US rather than travelling home but the decision of Lowry, who won the title as an amateur in 2009, to make the trip is a big boost to the tournament.
"I'm really looking forward to getting back home to play the Dubai Duty-Free Irish Open," 2019 British Open champion Lowry said.
"As a proud Irishman, this event means a lot to me and is always one of the most important tournaments on my schedule each year.
"While it’s been extremely challenging for all players to plan their global tournament schedules this season, I wanted to do everything possible to get home to play the Irish Open and I’m delighted that I’ve been able to commit to this year’s tournament given the circumstances.
"Obviously I was really looking forward to playing in front of our home fans as the Open Champion this year, which would have been really special, but sadly it’s not to be.
"I’m sure everyone will be supporting from home and watching the event on TV, so hopefully I can put in a good performance at Galgorm Castle and give the Irish fans something to shout about.
"I’ve been fortunate enough to win the Irish Open already and I would dearly love to win it again."
Meanwhile, England's Charley Hull has tested positive for coronavirus and will miss this week's ANA Inspiration.
The 24-year-old revealed on Twitter that she had returned a positive test and that as a result she had withdrawn from the second major of the season.
