By David Hunter
Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell have confirmed they'll take part in this year’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open in Portstewart.
The event runs from July 6th until the 9th and is being hosted by the Rory Foundation.
Defending Champion Rory McIllroy will take part in the tournament which will be the third event of the European Tour’s new Rolex Series.
Fellow Major Champion Padraig Harrington and former Irish Open Champion Shane Lowry, have also confirmed their participation.
McDowell said: “The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open is always a special week for me but this year it will be even more so, returning once again to the area where I grew up.
“Portstewart is a fantastic golf course and it’s great to be going back to another classic links.
"The atmosphere is always something else when the Irish Open comes to Northern Ireland and I’m sure this year will be no different.
“Winning the Irish Open has always been something I’ve dreamed of doing and my game is shaping up nicely at the start of this year so hopefully I can put in a strong performance in front of the home fans.”
Darren Clarke,said: “I am always so proud when the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open comes to Northern Ireland and especially to an area which is so close to my heart.
“Portstewart is a spectacular links golf course and with this year’s event being a part of the Rolex Series, with a new date on the calendar and boasting an increased prize fund, I’m sure we’ll attract another great field.
“I believe the Northern Irish fans are some of the best in the world and it’s always a special atmosphere that they create, so I cannot wait for July to come around and hopefully I can bring some good form into the week.”