Kaymer and Donald sign up for Irish Open in May

Kaymer and Donald sign up for Irish Open in May

22 April 2015

REIGNING US Open champion Martin Kaymer, former world number one Luke Donald and American Ryder Cup star Patrick Reed are the latest big names to sign up for next month’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Royal County Down.

The addition of three more stellar players to the international line-up coming to Newcastle was announced last week when it was revealed that the prize fund will increase by 25 per cent to €2.5 million with the 2015 champion taking home €416,660.

The field now includes five current or former players who have reached the pinnacle of the World ranking — current number one Rory McIlroy, Donald, Ernie Els, Kaymer and Lee Westwood   — as well as eight Major champions in McIlroy, Els, Kaymer, Darren Clarke, Padraig Harrington, Graeme McDowell, Paul Lawrie and José Maria Olazábal.

The pulling power of McIlroy, whose Rory Foundation is hosting the event, has certainly been a telling factor in attracting the big names.

Kaymer, two-time Major champion and winner of the Players’ Championship on the US PGA Tour in 2014, said: “There is definitely a good feeling about this year’s Irish Open and I think Rory has done a great job to get such a great field for the event and to create a really nice atmosphere about the tournament.

“He is very passionate about the tournament, and also the golf course at Royal County Down, so I am sure it will be a great week.”

McIlroy was quick to express his delight. “It’s great to see  Martin, Luke and Patrick adding their names to the Irish Open.”