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Jun 7th, 2017
World No 4 to tee it up at Portstewart
As Hideki Matsuyama confirms for Irish Open
Words: GolfPunk Photography: Getty Images
World number four Hideki Matsuyama will be teeing it at Portstewart in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.
This will also be his first ever appearance at a regular European Tour event.
With three wins on the PGA Tour in just the past 18 months, Matsuyama appearance will add more star quality to an already strong field, which of course includes Rory McIlroy. Spain's Jon Rahm will also be putting in a rare appearance, and he is also sure to draw the crowds.
The Irish Open is now part of the European Tour’s new Rolex series, which means that the prize fund will be increased to over £6 million.
“I am really looking forward to playing the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open for the first time,” Matsuyama said. “I have heard great things about the tournament and about the Northern Irish fans.
“It is important to play some links golf ahead of The Open Championship and I’m sure Portstewart will be the perfect preparation for me.
“I know Rory puts a lot into this tournament and he has done an incredible job raising its profile. I’m really excited and I know it will be a great week.”
The Irish Open really is on the up and up, and Rory must take a lot of credit for it.
Related:
Rory McIlroy now 6th ranked best paid sportsman in the world according to Forbes Magazine
