Dundonald Links, Scotland …

After some fears over infrastructure arrangements, McIlroy has spoken of his delight in news Ballyliffin has been confirmed as host of the 2018 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.

McIlroy was not at the announcement last Sunday but as tournament up on the news.

And in contrast to last week’s Irish event, and where he had never set eyes on Portstewart until a week or two before the event, McIlroy is certainly no stranger to Ballyliffin.

McIlroy said on the eve of this week’s Scottish Open his joy in having tackled the famed Pat Ruddy-designed Glashedy course in the week after he captured his first Major.

“I was up there the week after I won my U.S. Open in 2011, so it is a great golf course and will be a great venue for the tournament”, said McIlroy.

“Of course, I knew about the decision to take the Irish Open to Ballyliffin then I was a little wary of how they would cope with all the infrastructure needed to host a major European Tour event though Keith Pelley visited the course early last week before the Irish Open at Portstewart and he confirmed that there is more than adequate space which was great news.

“It is also great for Co. Donegal and the region that the Irish Open is heading to that part of Ireland as it will only continue to do wonders for the game in Ireland”.