Irish Open to remain on 2011 European schedule

Golf:The Irish Open will remain part of the 2011 European Tour schedule despite mobile communications company '3' withdrawing as title sponsors of the country's blue riband golf event.

For many years the national championship has struggled to reach the dizzy heights and appeal it once had in the 1970s and 80s when the world’s top players competed in Ireland.

Economic constraints such as uncertainty over sponsorship, lack of venue, unsuitable date on the European Tour schedule and untimely inclement weather have been just some of the factors to have hampered the Irish Open in recent years.

When 3 came on board a genuine sense of optimism prevailed, especially after this year’s event in Killarney in its new slot over the August Bank Holiday weekend, was generally very well received.

However, in recent weeks 3 opted out of their three-year sponsorship deal with one year to run, which caused immediate concern for the tournament’s future.

However, the European Tour confirmed the Irish Open will remain on the 2011 schedule which is due to be announced after this week's season-ending Dubai World Championship where Graeme McDowell is aiming to finish the year as Europe's number one player.

Next year’s Irish Open is due to take place from July 28th-31st, 2011 - the same Bank Holiday weekend as this year - with the key focus now set on finding a new headline sponsor of the event. When the schedule is finally released a TBC (to be confirmed) will sit alongside the Irish Open in the venue column.

“The Irish Open will go ahead because it is an integral event of the European Tour schedule and given also the exemplary strength of the Irish players on the Tour at the moment,” explained Keith Waters, European Tour director of international policy, noting there has been difficulty in confirming venues for other events on the new schedule.

“It is early days yet as it was only recently we were without a sponsor for next year, and obviously we hope to find another one. So yes, the Irish Open is continuing with full details to follow.”