The European Tour has today announced that Lahinch Golf Club in County Clare is to host the 2019 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.

Next year’s tournament will be played in County Clare from July 4-7, 2019 for the first time ever in its 91 years of existence.

As a Rolex Series event, the 2019 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open will once again feature a minimum prize fund of $7 million and will attract a world-class field to Lahinch Golf Club, providing a huge boost to the local and national economy.

The tournament enters a new era next year when Paul McGinley leads a rotation of Irish golfing legends – Major champions Darren Clarke, Padraig Harrington and Graeme McDowell – in the hosting role, taking over the mantle from Rory McIlroy. The four-time Major champion’s charity, the Rory Foundation, has successfully hosted the tournament since 2015.

The winning 2014 Ryder Cup Captain will host at a venue for which he holds a great affinity, having triumphed at Lahinch as an amateur when he claimed the South of Ireland Championship in 1991.

Clare County Council welcomed the announcement with the Mayor of Clare, Councillor Tom McNamara describing the Irish Open as a “prestige event” for sport in Ireland.

“The hosting of the Irish Open in Lahinch will deliver a significant boost to the local economy and will showcase County Clare to an international audience,” stated the Mayor.

Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council, said:

“I want to congratulate the President and Club Captain of Lahinch Golf Club on what is a landmark achievement in the 126-year history of the club.  We look forward to welcoming thousands of people to the county for an event that will provide a unique opportunity to showcase Clare as an excellent golfing and tourism destination.”