Paul McGinley has confirmed he plans to return to Baltray to contest the Irish Open next month. The three-time Ryder Cup winner was a junior member at the County Louth club and is excited by the prospect of teeing off there in his national championship on May 14th.

The tournament looked in danger of extinction last year, until the intervention of mobile phone company 3, and McGinley believes Baltray is the perfect venue to start a new chapter in the competition's history.

“Baltray is probably my favourite links course in Ireland, it is just such a fun course to play. It’s the kind of course you finish a round on and you can’t wait to come back the next day to play it again,” said the 42-year-old today.

“It’s not too long a course but its main defence is ball control: you have to be able to control, particularly on the par threes which are among the best in the world.

“It’s just a great test – all the holes run in different directions so you have a different exam paper on each hole – and the players all raved about it the last time it was there in 2004. I am certainly delighted that it’s going back there.

While McGinley will have intimate knowledge of the course, he has warned Rory McIlroy may also have an ace up his sleeve.

“I was a junior member there when I was a kid and I have a lot of fond memories of the place. I have kept in touch with a lot of my friends from there and it will be really nice to go back and see everyone.

“I actually met JP Fitzgerald there when I was about 14 and have known him ever since. JP caddied for me for a while on Tour and he is now caddying for Rory so they will be able to get round there alright.”

Welcoming McGinley’s participation, Minsiter for Sport Martin Cullen, said: “Paul McGinley’s confirmation today that he will participate in The 3 Irish Open is wonderful news and he will be another big draw for Irish golf fans next month at the County Louth Golf Club.”