Victorious Ryder Cup Captain Ian Woosnam and one of his assistants, Sandy Lyle, will return to Ireland to a heroes’ welcome for the 2007 Irish Open, the first event on Irish soil since leading Europe to a record-equalling victory in The Ryder Cup at The K Club last September.

Woosnam and Lyle, both Major Champions having won two Green Jackets and a Claret Jug between them, have confirmed their participation at Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort from May 17-20.

The inclusion of Woosnam, one of the Irish Open’s great champions having won back-to-back titles in 1988 and 1989, and Lyle in the field are sure to attract huge crowds to Co. Limerick for an event that carries a record prize fund of €2.5 million.

“I am excited to be returning to Ireland for the first event since The Ryder Cup,” said Woosnam. “I will never forget the experience of that wonderful week at The K Club and the fantastic reception we received from the Irish fans. For me, it was the greatest week of my career and the fact it was in Ireland made it all the more special. I have been visiting the country for as long as I can remember and have so many fond memories, including my back-to-back Irish Open wins at Portmarnock.

“I have always had a wonderful relationship with the Irish people, who are so friendly and welcoming, and I am very much looking forward to playing in the Irish Open at Adare Manor.”

In September, Woosnam inspired Europe to a record-equalling 18 ½ - 9 ½ victory as the Team won all five sessions for the first time in the biennial contest and secured an unprecedented third successive victory.

He has won 44 titles worldwide, competed in eight Ryder Cups and joined the golfing greats with victory in the 1991 Masters Tournament at Augusta National.

Lyle, as one of Woosnam’s backroom assistants at The K Club, played his part in Europe’s nine point victory over the United States, marking a successful return to The Ryder Cup fold for the first time since 1987.

A winner of 28 titles world-wide, Lyle became the first Briton to win The Open Championship since Tony Jacklin in 1969 when he lifted the Claret Jug in 1985 at Royal St George’s. Three years later he became the first Briton to win the Masters Tournament when he triumphed at Augusta National in 1988.

Tickets are now available with an Adult One Day ticket costing €25, while a Four Day season pass, valid for all four days of the tournament, costs €75. Tickets for Disabled Citizens cost €15, while OAP’s over the age of 65 and juniors under the age of 16 are entitled to free entry when accompanied by an adult. The Pro-Am is free for all spectators.

For tickets and hospitality for the Irish Open, contact the Adare Manor on +353 (0) 61 605250 or Ticketmaster on + 353 (0) 818 719300. Alternatively, visit www.europeantourtickets.com or www.irishopen.ie or www.ticketmaster.ie.

For further information, please contact:-
The European Tour Communications Division
Tel: +44 1344 840400 Fax: +44 1344 840444
e-mail: media@europeantour.com

Irish Open at Adare Manor Press Office
Kieran O’Brien, O’Brien Communications
Email: kieran@obriencommunications.ie
Tel: + 353 86 6019214 Fax: +44 353 61 457999

Roddy Williams
European Tour Press Officer
Tel: +44 1344 840400
Mobile: +44 7899 940029