On behalf of the DP World Tour, I am delighted to welcome you to The K Club for the Horizon Irish Open.
The Horizon Irish Open has consistently delivered great drama over the years, and we are very excited to welcome some of the world’s best golfers to the island of Ireland this week for what promises to be another thrilling edition of this celebrated tournament.
We witnessed history last year as Adrian Meronk triumphed at Mount Juliet to become the first Polish winner on the DP World Tour. Since his win last July, he has captured two further national opens in Australia and Italy.
Adrian will defend his title against a world-class field here at The K Club which includes home favourites Pádraig Harrington, who triumphed at Adare Manor in 2007, Shane Lowry, who won as an amateur at County Louth two years later, and four-time Major Champion Rory McIlroy, who claimed the title in thrilling fashion at this very venue in 2016.
My thanks go to Horizon Therapeutics, who demonstrated an incredible commitment to this tournament last year after signing a six-year commitment to become title sponsor of the Irish Open. Their Chairman, President and CEO Tim Walbert is a staunch supporter of golf and of giving back to the local community and we were delighted to see more than €120,000 raised for the tournament’s Official Charity Make-A-Wish Ireland last year.
Make-A-Wish Ireland was named last year the Official Charity of the Horizon Irish Open for the six editions between 2022 and 2027 and Horizon have set a fundraising target of €250,000 at this year’s event. One of the ways you can help support the charity is by wearing green on Saturday, with Horizon donating €1 for every person on site who wears an item of green clothing.
I must also offer my sincere thanks to K Club owner Michael Fetherstone and General Manager Paul Heery for their long-term support of this event, with this wonderful venue also set to host the tournament in 2025 and 2027.
Finally, I would also like to thank the staff and volunteers who make events like these possible and you, the fans, who contribute to the unforgettable and unique atmosphere that makes the Horizon Irish Open such a special week.
Enjoy the golf.
Keith Pelley
Chief Executive Officer
DP World Tour
