GOLF LADIES IRISH OPEN:SHE'S ON her way back to Killeen Castle. Suzann Pettersen, the world number six, who was the star of the show in Europe's successful Solheim Cup win over the United States at the Co Meath venue last year, has been confirmed for this year's Ladies Irish Open over the Jack Nicklaus-designed course in Dunsany, Co Meath, on August 3rd-5th.

In yesterday confirming the Norwegian’s participation, tournament director Roddy Carr admitted the player – who claimed the title a year ago when firing rounds of 63 and 64 over the weekend to coast to a six-stroke win over European team-mate Azahara Munoz – was top of his “wish list” for the tournament, which has a prize fund of €350,000.

Pettersen will be joined by another Solheim Cupper Sophie Gustafson, England’s Laura Davies and Mel Reid and Ireland’s leading tour player Rebecca Codd in the event, which takes place the week after the Evian Masters.