European Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald will join the ranks of golf greats at this year’s Amgen Irish Open, teeing off alongside Ryan Fox and Billy Horschel.
This much-anticipated event is set to take place at the picturesque Royal County Down from September 12-15.
This marks the fifth appearance for the former World Number One in Ireland’s national open.
Donald will be in good company, sharing the fairways with two of his victorious 2023 Ryder Cup teammates, Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry, in Newcastle.
With only 50 days left until the Amgen Irish Open, tickets are selling briskly. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
General Admission tickets and limited Premium Experience options are available online.
Luke Donald’s Enthusiasm
“I’m very excited to have the chance to go back to Royal County Down,” Donald remarked.
“We all had a great experience the last time the event was held there in 2015. It’s a fantastic golf course and a great test.”
Donald fondly recalls his return to the Irish Open last year, emphasizing the unique experience of playing in front of passionate Irish fans.
“Playing in front of the Irish fans was a real treat and it’ll be great to experience that welcome and hospitality again in September,” he added.
Billy Horschel’s Return
Horschel, who clinched the PGA TOUR’s FedEx Cup in 2014, reminisces about his victorious 2007 Walker Cup experience at Royal County Down, where he earned three points from four matches.
In 2021, he became just the second American to win the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, and earlier this year, he secured his eighth PGA TOUR title at the Corales Puntacana Championship.
Most recently, Horschel achieved his career-best finish in a Major Championship, finishing runner-up at The 152nd Open at Royal Troon.
“My first experience of the Irish Open last year was a truly memorable one,” Horschel shared.
“The Irish crowds were so respectful and passionate, and they were just a pleasure to play in front of, especially when I was playing alongside Rory for the first two rounds.”
Upon learning that the event would be held at Royal County Down, Horschel couldn’t resist the opportunity to return.
“I have great memories of playing there in the Walker Cup, and it will be nice to be reminded of that special week,” he said.
Ryan Fox’s Consistent Performances
Four-time DP World Tour winner Ryan Fox will make his eighth appearance at the event.
The New Zealander boasts a strong track record at the Irish Open, having finished in a share of third last year, runner-up in 2022 and 2018, and fourth place in 2017.
Fox also triumphed at the NI Open on the European Challenge Tour in 2016, securing his DP World Tour playing rights for the following season.
“I’m really looking forward to returning to the Amgen Irish Open,” Fox commented. “It’s an event I always enjoy playing in.
The crowds are incredible, the golf courses are fantastic, and it’s just a great week on Tour.”
Fox is particularly excited about experiencing Royal County Down for the first time.
“I haven’t had the opportunity to play at Royal County Down before, so I’m very excited to experience it in person and find out why it is so highly regarded by so many,” he said.
A Storied Tournament
First played in 1927, the Irish Open is one of the world’s most celebrated national opens, boasting a distinguished list of former champions including Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, Rory McIlroy, Pádraig Harrington, Shane Lowry, Colin Montgomerie, José María Olazábal, Bernhard Langer, and Sam Torrance.
General Admission tickets are available for all four tournament days and the Celebrity Pro-Am, taking place on Wednesday, September 11.
Ticket+ options are sold out from Friday to Sunday but are still available for Wednesday’s Pro-Am, with availability with availability also remaining for Thursday September 12. Click here to purchase.
For those seeking a Premium Experience, while the Green on 18 package has sold out, there is availability in The Ballroom for every day of the championship, accommodating private groups of ten or smaller groups on shared tables.
Premium Experience options can be viewed here.
