Shane Lowry will play in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open for the first time since his career-defining Open Championship triumph, at Galgorm Castle Golf Club in Antrim from September 24-27.
The 33-year-old Offaly man lifted the Claret Jug in front of his home fans last year following a six-stroke win over England’s Tommy Fleetwood at Royal Portrush Golf Club.
It will be Lowry’s first appearance on the European Tour – outside of the WGC-Mexico Championship, WGC-FedEx St Jude Invitational and US PGA Championship – since February, when he claimed a top 15 finish at the Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisors.
The Clara player’s Open victory last year was his fifth European Tour title and came six months after the he had broken a five-year winning duck at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA, sealing his first Rolex Series title.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back home to play the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open,” said Lowry.
“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 Dubai Duty Free 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” he added.
“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.”
