Rickie Fowler to join Rory McIlroy at Irish Open 2015 in Walker Cup re-run

Rickie Fowler will join up with world number one and close friend Rory McIlroy at the Irish Open in the Royal County Down Golf Club next May.

Following on from an announcement by McIlroy’s himslef, the European Tour have this morning confirmed Fowler’s inclusion.

The pair, both 25-years-old, initially met in the amateur ranks, and Fowler was the first player McIlroy approached to join the field for next year’s Irish Open after it was announced that his charitable foundation, The Rory Foundation, will become the official tournament host from 2015.

Back in 2007 both Fowler and McIlroy were on opposing sides in the 2007 Walker Cup at the Co. Down links, with the United States winning what would be McIlroy's last amateur appearance.

The tournament’s growing prestige

McIlroy said thet he’s “delighted that Rickie has decided to add the Irish Open to his schedule next year. I really look forward to him joining me at Royal County Down, one of the world’s finest links courses.

“Rickie’s performances in the Majors and The Ryder Cup this year showed that he is not only one of the top players in the world, but also one of the most watchable. I know the Irish crowds will really take to him and enjoy seeing him in action next May.

“He was one of the first people I thought of when the Rory Foundation became the official host of the Irish Open, and his presence in the field will only add to tournament’s prestige.

“We have become good friends since we played at Royal County Down in the Walker Cup in 2007, so it will be special for us both to go back there. It would also be great if we could both be in contention towards the end, just like in the Majors this year.”

World’s top golf courses

“I think Rickie’s decision to play also demonstrates the international appeal of Ireland’s top courses and confirms why we are keen for the Irish Open to showcase them.”

Royal County Down Golf Club was recently voted fourth on Golf Digest's 2014 list of the World's Top 100 Courses, underlining its reputation on the global golfing stage. It last hosted the Irish Open in 1939, when Englishman, Arthur Lees, was crowned champion.

Special memories

Fowler, who this year joined Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as only the third player to finish in the top five in all four Major Championships in a single season, added;

“When Rory told me the Irish Open was going to Royal County Down I was really keen to play because of the special memories we have there, and also because it is such a great course.

“It’s amazing what the players from that Walker Cup have gone on to achieve in the years since we played there, so I’m sure Rory and I will have plenty to reminisce about.

“Rory and I have obviously become good friends I think it is cool what he is trying to do with the Irish Open through the Rory Foundation, so I’m looking forward to being a part of it. It would be neat to think that we could maybe both be battling it out again at Royal County Down next summer, just like we did in the Majors this year.”