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Paul McGinley to host 2019 Irish Open as different players hold role

By Sky Sports Golf

Tuesday 6 February 2018 14:00, UK

LONDONDERRY, NORTHERN IRELAND - JULY 05: Paul McGinley tees off on the 17th during the Pro-Am of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Portstewart Golf Club on

Paul McGinley has been named as the host of the 2019 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, with more Irish golfing greats set to fill the role over the coming years.

The change will see a rotation of hosts for the event, similar to the model the British Masters has used since returning to the European Tour in 2015, with McGinley one of new four players to take on the position.

The former Ryder Cup captain will succeed Rory McIlroy, whose foundation has hosted the tournament since 2015, with major champions Darren Clarke, Padraig Harrington and Graeme McDowell all part of the pool of future hosts.

NEWPORT, WALES - OCTOBER 04: European Team members (L-R) Paul McGinley, Padraig Harrington, Graeme McDowell, Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke pose with the
Image: All four major winners in the roster appeared at the 2010 Ryder Cup, where Paul McGinley was a vice-captain

European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley said: "Ireland has been blessed with many legendary golfers over the years and to have five of them agree to host the country's national Open over the next five years shows a terrific commitment both to their homeland and to the European Tour.

"I cannot use the word commitment without paying special thanks to Rory McIlroy, who has worked tirelessly alongside our fantastic tournament sponsor Dubai Duty Free over the past four years to raise the tournament to an entirely new level, and I am delighted he will return to the role of host in a future year."

LONDONDERRY, NORTHERN IRELAND - JULY 07: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland reacts on the 18th hole during day two of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Port
Image: Rory McIlroy won the event as tournament host in 2016

McIlroy will continue to host the 2018 event, held at Ballyliffin Golf Club in County Donegal, with the 2019 venue and the order of future hosts revealed in the coming months.

"I am thrilled by what we have achieved with the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open over the past four years," McIlroy said. "I would like to thank the European Tour for sharing my vision for the event.

Also See:

McGinley's Ultimate Ryder Cup Team

"Now feels like the right time to rotate the tournament hosting process, using the model that has been so successful for the British Masters. I look forward to collectively building on the current platform in the years ahead."

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