JOSE-MARIA OLAZABAL will he returning to the Murphy's Irish Open at Druids Glen on July 3rd to 6th. It means a happy conclusion to a distressing story which had its beginnings early in the week of the tournament at Mount Juliet two years ago.
That was when the gifted Spaniard took medical advice and withdrew from the event because of a worsening foot problem. His manager, Sergio Gomez, said at the time: "Be sure, and I know you don't have any doubt, he (Olazabal) is the most disappointed with the situation."
A measure of the sincerity of those words is that the 1990 champion is prepared to gamble on greatly improved health by playing three weeks in a row for the first time since his return to action in Dubai at the end of February. His commitment to Druids Glen will be followed by appearances in the Loch Lomond Invitational and the British Open.
Gomez said yesterday: "Jose-Maria's pleasure at playing in Ireland goes back to his amateur days when he was given a sponsor's invitation to play at Royal Dublin in 1995. He will always be grateful for that gesture."
The 31-year-old will be joined at Druids Glen by a powerful line-up spearheaded by Nick Faldo, winner of six major championships. The supporting cast includes defending champion Colin Montgomerie, last Monday's Volvo PGA champion Ian Woosnam, Seve Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer, Costantino Rocca, and recent English Open winner Per-Ulrik Johansson.
Meanwhile, as a goodwill gesture, Murphy's have presented a cheque for £15,000 to the Kilquade Community. "It is our way of acknowledging the marvellous support and co-operation we have received here in County Wicklow," said Patrick Conway, marketing director of the sponsoring company.
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