Legendary Australian Greg Norman has accepted an invitation to play in the Smurfit European Open at the K-Club in Kildare next month.
Norman, 47, was invited as a past champion of the then Panasonic European Open at Sunningdale in 1986 to celebrate the events Silver Anniversary since it began at Walton Heath in 1978.
"I am looking forward to competing again in Ireland," said Norman who has spent a lot of time here in recent months completing work on the Doonbeg Golf Course project he designed and built in Co Clare.
"The golf courses there are among the best anywhere in the world and Irish golf fans are as knowledgeable as any I have encountered around the world. I am particularly looking forward to playing at The K Club," he added.
Dr Michael Smurfit said: "We are thrilled by the prospect of welcoming Greg Norman to The K-Club to play in the Smurfit European Open. Over the years Greg has been a wonderful roving ambassador for the game of golf as well as a strong supporter of The European Tour.
"It gives me particular pleasure to know that Greg will be playing in the 25th anniversary of the European Open, as one of our past champions. He has always been exciting to watch and I am sure that the Irish golfing public will enjoy seeing him in action at The K Club."
Darren Clarke, winner of the English Open for a record third time yesterday, returns as the defending champion to the K-Club.