Irish Open 2011 to be hosted in Rosslare?

jackal

Was playing Rosslare this week and was told by a staff member that they are hosting the Irish Open this year. As far as I am aware it was staying in Killarney? I cannot find a single bit of press about it though, so I am dubious. They had lift and replace off the fairway in operation even though it was bone dry, to maintain the course in preparation for the open apparently.

ThunderCat

Havn't heard that either and I also thought it was staying in Killarney. It should be played on a links every year though.

Tin_Cup

Defo not true. Irish open was confirmed for Killarney. Article on Sport News Ireland here back in December:

"Although no premium sponsor is yet in place good news for Irish Golfing enthusiasts – and Irish tourism in general , is that the 2011 Irish Open will indeed, return to Killarney as part of the European Tour. The announcement from the European Tour and Fáilte Ireland confirmed that the Irish Open will return to the Killeen Course at the Killarney Golf and Fishing Club from July 28-31, 2011."

http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/2010/12/15/golf-irish-open-returns-to-killarney-in-2011/

European Tour Tickets are selling advance tickets but dont however note the venue??

pansoul

There's an Irish Open in Rosslare alright, but it's the Irish Seniors Amateur Open.

See here: http://www.gui.ie/championship_details.asp?area=5&type=0&id=1363

jackal

Yeh I am aware of the press from last year saying it was returning to Killarney, so tis strange.

A lot of the course is currently being upgraded, almost all the greenside bunkers are being re-set with very steep faces, lots of GUR and the 2nd hole is currently closed for re-design. Coincedince?! You heard it here first anyway

Not sure what I think of it as a *potential* Irish Open venue, I like it but dont love it. Its really hard during the summer, you could lose a humvee in some of the rough. Its quite forgiving at this time of the year given that most of the bunkers were GUR and the rough was v light. Still loads of run on the fairways.

For spectators is certainly a lot more accessible for day trippers than killarney. Dont know how they will make spectators pay in as you can access the course from almost anywhere along both sides, particularly the beach side.

jackal

No he was definitely saying it was "the" irish open. I said that I thought it was going to killarney and he said no. Will find out in time I suppose.

Screaminmidget

Lads, Its deffo on in killarney. Your man was probably jus talkin sh*te, trying to impress the greenfees and all

irishtoffee

It's for some big Irish amateur tournament. I was there last week and can confirm the Irish Open is not being held in Rosslare ha ha.

jackal

Ah sounds like I got the wrong end of the stick so, and here was me getting excited. Killarney was very good last year, so it would seem a bit of a mad move to go elsewhere for the time being.

DH2K9

They have to do what the Scottish Open did and switch the Irish Open to a links course.