McIlroy X-Factor draws Dubai Duty Free to sponsor Irish Open

Rory McIlroy's X-factor has brought on board a title sponsor for the Irish Open for the first time in five years, with Dubai Duty Free – who also sponsor the Irish Derby – coming on board for the golf tournament which takes place at Royal County Down on May 28th-31st.

McIlroy, the world number one, is already committed to hosting the tournament through his charity The Rory Foundation and, in a video link from the United States where he is continuing his preparations for next month's US Masters, he said the new sponsor "will bring a lot to the event and add to its already great prestige."

The tournament, which has a prize fund of€2 million, has attracted a great entry with Ireland's four Major champions –McIlroy, Padraig Harrington, Graeme McDowell and Darren Clarke – all committed along with international stars including Rickie Fowler, Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood and Ernie Els.

Without a title sponsor since 2010 when telecommunications giant 3 ended its involvement, the Irish Open has adopted a multi-sponsorship approach in the interim.

Dubai Duty Free’s involvement with golf sponsorship also includes the DP World Tour Championship – the season-ending finale to the European Tour – and the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, won earlier this year by McIlroy. It’s other main sporting sponsorships include horse racing and tennis.