JON Rahm will be aiming to join an elite list which includes his hero Seve Ballesteros when the Spaniard targets a hat-trick of victories at May’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Mount Juliet.
The World No. 3 has a record four Rolex Series titles to his name – and two of those have come at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.
The first was at Portstewart Golf Club in 2017 and again at Lahinch Golf Club in July.
Only Ballesteros, Sir Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer and Colin Montgomerie have won Ireland’s national open on three occasions.
The 25-year-old, who in November became the first Spanish player since Ballesteros to be crowned European Tour No. 1 by winning the 2019 Race to Dubai, has become a hugely popular figure with golf fans on the Emerald Isle.
Rahm’s two-stroke victory at a sold-out Lahinch Golf Club was the first of three wins in his 2019 European Tour campaign.
It was followed by triumphs at the Mutuactivos Open de España and the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai – a run of form which helped elevate him to third in the Official World Golf Ranking.
He will defend his title at the luxurious Mount Juliet Estate, from May 28-31, where 2010 US Open Champion and Ryder Cup hero Graeme McDowell will serve as host for the first of two successive editions.
“I can’t wait to return to Ireland and defend my Dubai Duty Irish Open title at Mount Juliet Estate,” said Rahm.
“I love playing in front of the crowds there, added the member of Europe’s 2018 Ryder Cup-winning team.
“They are passionate and supportive, while also being respectful and knowledgeable, and that’s why I think I’ve managed to build a strong connection with them in the last three years,” added Rahm.0
“Obviously this tournament has provided two massive highlights in my career and I would love to join my hero Seve on that list of three-time winners of the event.
“I have heard really good things about Mount Juliet and its list of former champions speaks for itself.
“Graeme is also a great guy and is sure to be a great host. So I’m sure it will be another incredible week.”
Mount Juliet Estate already boasts a prestigious list of winners after a three-year stint of hosting the historic event – with Sir Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer and Sam Torrance winning there in 1993, 1994 and 1995 respectively.
Rahm will be hoping to join another prestigious list in May.
The luxury five-star resort in Kilkenny also hosted Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf in 1997, a challenge match between Tom Watson and Fred Couples, won by the latter.
It also hosted the WGC-American Express Championship in 2002 and 2004 – won by Tiger Woods and Ernie Els respectively.
Ticket price savings for early birds
EARLY bird ticket prices for the 2020 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open begin at €13 for the Wednesday pro-am day.
Thursday and Friday day tickets are available for a special price of €23 and Saturday and Sunday tickets begin at €27.
Fans can enjoy five days of world-class golf and entertainment for only €83 if they purchase early bird season tickets prior to March 3.
Children under 12 years of age are entitled to free entry when accompanied by an adult.
Day junior tickets for those between 12 and 17 years of age are €10 (€25 for a season ticket) while students aged 18-24 with valid student cards, and over 65s, can avail of a concession ticket – €15 for Thursday and Friday, €20 for Saturday and Sunday (€60 for a season).
Parking access can be purchased for €5 per day, or €10 for a season parking ticket which covers all five days.
The only official sales channel to purchase tickets for this year’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open is via the ticketing platform Eventbrite.
The resale of Dubai Duty Free Irish Open tickets on unofficial platforms contravenes the European Tour’s ticket terms and conditions and such sales render the ticket void.
Tickets for the second Rolex Series tournament of the 2020 Race to Dubai are available by clicking here.
Official Hospitality tickets are also available on the ticketing page, or alternatively contact the European Tour’s dedicated hospitality sales team,
Email hospitality@europeantour.com or call (01344) 840681.