McDowell admitted it was a ‘very difficult decision’ not to return home in these continuing uncertain times.
Instead, McDowell indicated he will defend his Corales Punta Cana Resort and Club Championship title in the Dominican Republic.
Graeme McDowelll indicating he will not be teeing-up in this year’s Irish Open. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
It was clearly a difficult decision for McDowell just as it had been earlier this week with Shane Lowry who agonised over whether he would travel to Galgorm Castle before deciding he will compete in the 24th to 27th September event.
“I have never failed to attend this great event in 18 previous years and regret that due to the necessary changes made to the event, travel and scheduling issues, I am choosing to not play this year,” McDowell said in a statement.
“I will be competing that week at the Corales Punta Cana Resort and Club Championship, defending the title I won in 2019.
“Defending a title is something special and on honour I have tried to take seriously all my career. Under normal circumstances defending this event would not take priority over playing my home Open, but the unprecedented circumstances make this a better option for me at this time.
“I want to apologise to Dubai Duty Free and take an opportunity to again thank them for the wonderful commitment they have made to putting the Irish Open back on the map.
“We will hopefully be back in 2021, with the event at full strength, surrounded by the great Irish fans, assuming we can put the issues caused by COVID behind us.”
McDowell has not competed since missing the cut in the Northern Trust near Boston and ending his 2019/20 season 117th on the FedEx Cup standings.
He will, however, be heading to Winged Foot early next week for the rescheduled U.S. Open and the 20th anniversary of his then Fathers’ Day victory along the shoreline at Pebble Beach in 2010.
And while McDowell has withdrawn from the Irish Open, organisers also still await word from European Ryder Cup captain, Pádraig Harrington if he will tee-up in the event he won in 2007 at Adare Manor.
