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McIlroy is relishing playing in front of his home fans at Irish Open
Photography: Getty Images
Rory McIlroy is relishing the opportunity to play in front of his home fans for the first time in two years as the four-time Major winner tees it up in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Mount Juliet Estate this week. For four consecutive seasons from 2015, the Northern Irishman put his name to his home open as the tournament host and was credited with helping revive the event’s fortunes to reclaim its status as one of the most eagerly-awaited fixtures on the Irish sporting calendar. The 32-year-old, who claimed the famous trophy in 2016, is relishing the opportunity to be welcomed home by the Irish spectators at the sold-out event – which is one of a select number of pilot test events as crowds return to live sport in Ireland. "It's looking fabulous. Wonderful weather. Great golf course. It's great. I've never played here before. I've been here to watch when the World Golf Championships were here in 2002 and 2004; we came down to watch, but a little different playing it," said McIlroy. McIlroy, whose last appearance on home soil came at The 2019 Open Championship at Royal Portrush, will play alongside his fellow 2018 Ryder Cup winner Tommy Fleetwood and John Catlin - who defends his title having added his name to the prestigious list of winners at Galgorm Castle Golf Club last September.
