… Belek, Turkey
Open Champion Shane Lowry has dismissed suggestions he would be a candidate to play host to next year’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Mt. Juliet.
Pencilled into the 2020 European Tour schedule from May 28-31, the tournament is shaping up to be an unmissable renewal already with world number two, Rory McIlroy, defending Champion, Jon Rahm and the Open Champion Lowry already committed to the event.
Where tournament host at Lahinch this year, Paul McGinley started somewhat on the back foot when Rory McIlroy announced he’d be giving the event a miss to focus on his Open preparations, this year’s host will be holding pocket aces given the calibre of field already guaranteed to follow in that trio’s footsteps.
Exactly who that host will be remains a mystery but Lowry was quick to remove himself from the picture when asked if he could take the reins in County Kilkenny next year
“No, I have not been approached,” Lowry said ahead of this week’s Turkish Airlines Open.
The stunning par-3 third hole at Mt. Juliet and host to the 2020 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open. (Photo – Irish Golfer Mag)
“I feel as though I am too young into my career to be playing host to an Irish Open and besides it would be nice to win a a couple more Majors before I go down that path (smiling).”
The 2009 Irish Open winner was asked if he had any recollections of Mt. Juliet and Lowry recalled his very first visit to the Co. Kilkenny course when aged just 15-years.
“It is a great venue and a great golf course, and the Mt. Juliet estate is just a lovely place and a lovely part of Ireland,” he said.
“Whenever I hear Mt. Juliet mentioned, I have always remembered it being the best parkland course in Ireland.
“I remember going to the 2002 WGC -American Express when Tiger (Woods) won.
“It has probably been a year or two since I played the course and no doubt it is going to be a great venue and a great tournament.
“I always find that when you go to places that are used to hosting events, and while it will be 18-years since Mt. Juliet has hosted a big golf tournament, I am sure they will embrace and turn it into something really big.”
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