Irish Open: The first casualty of Retief Goosen's new-found status as a major winner is the Murphy's Irish Open, which takes place at Fota Island Golf Club next week. The South African (32) - who beat American Mark Brooks in an 18hole play-off to take the US Open title at Southern Hills earlier this week - officially informed tournament officials last evening of his withdrawal from an event which carries £1.2 million in prize money.
Goosen has decided to take time out and return to South Africa to celebrate his success in the US Open with his family. It is expected that his first appearance in his capacity as champion will now come at the Smurfit European Open at The K Club a week later.
"We're extremely disappointed with the news, particularly as Retief has been a long-time supporter of the event and had entered some time ago," conceded Paddy Rossi, consultant to the Irish Open.
A replacement will be facilitated from the reserve list following this week's Great North Open at Slaley Hall in England.
Irish Women's Open: Former Irish amateur champion Suzie O'Brien will make her professional debut at the £100,000 Waterford Crystal Ladies Irish Open, which returns to the Faithlegg course in Waterford on August 24th-26th.
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