The  2014 Irish Open will swap places with the BMW International Open next year and be staged in the week after the US Open.

Unfortunately for Irish golf fans the 2014 Irish Open, to be held from June 19th to 22nd, will also be conducted the week of the British Amateur Championship at Royal Portrush.

The new date for the Irish Open was revealed at a Players Committee meeting held on the eve of the Portugal Masters in Vilamoura.

Ireland’s Simon Thornton is among seven players tied for the lead with six under par 65s on the opening day played in superb conditions on the Oceanico Victoria course.

Motor vehicle giant, BMW and as one of the European Tour’s major sponsors, sought to move their flagship BMW International Open from a week following the US Open to now a fortnight following the second Major of the season and the Tour has agreed to the request with the 2014 Irish Open to come forward to that week after the US Open.  

The British Amateur is being staged at Royal Portrush from June 16th to 21st, 2014.