Golf

Pádraig Harrington and Séamus Power confirmed for Irish Open at Royal County Down

Padraig Harrington is down the field after a 73
Padraig Harrington will compete in his 29th consecutive Irish Open this year at Royal County Down

Home favourites Pádraig Harrington and Séamus Power will tee it up in September when the Amgen Irish Open returns to Royal County Down later this year.

The pair will join Major champions and Ryder Cup stars Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry in the field from September 12-15.

Three-time Major champion Harrington will be making his 29th consecutive appearance in his home open, which he won at Adare Manor in 2007, while two-time PGA TOUR winner Power will be making his highly-anticipated return to the event after missing out through injury last year.

“My national Open is always a tournament I look forward to playing in, and I can’t believe it has almost been 30 years since I made my first appearance,” said Harrington.

“My drive to compete is as strong as it has ever been, and I can’t wait to take on the challenge of Royal County Down once again.

“There’s always a weight of expectation with it being a home tournament, but it’s a challenge that I relish. With the move to September, the event is in an exciting position in the golfing calendar and I’m eager to see what this year brings.”

Power added: “I’m really excited for this year’s Amgen Irish Open.

“It was disappointing to miss last year’s event due to injury, so that has only added to the anticipation of playing at Royal County Down later this year.

Injury, which forced his withdrawal from the Scottish Open, will hamper Seamus Power's Open Championship challenge
Seamus Power missed last year's Irish Open through injury

“There’s no greater feeling than playing in front of a home crowd, and it’ll be a privilege playing alongside Pádraig, Rory, Shane and all of the guys.”

First played in 1927, the Irish Open is one of the world’s most celebrated national opens, with a glittering role of honour which includes Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, Rory McIlroy, Pádraig Harrington, Shane Lowry, Colin Montgomerie, José María Olazábal, Bernhard Langer and Sam Torrance.

Last year, Sweden’s Vincent Norrman claimed his second DP World Tour title as he carded a final round 65 at The K Club to win by one stroke, earning his second victory in the space of six worldwide starts.

General Admission tickets are available for all four tournament days and the Celebrity Pro-Am, taking place on Wednesday September 11.