TICKETS for the Irish Open in the K-Club in September are expected to sell out following Rory McIlroy’s US Masters heroics on Sunday night.
The Co Down golfer was confirmed to tee-off in the iconic Co Kildare venue a number of months ago.
Tickets for the Irish Open in the K-Club in September are in hot demand after Rory’s major win[/caption]
But after completing the career Grand Slam in the thrilling fashion at the weekend, fans are expected to flock to see him in the Republic of Ireland.
A source said: “Tickets have been on sale for a while but there has been a huge increase in sales after Rory’s victory.
“It will be great to see him at the Irish Open again.”
The event takes place just three weeks before the Ryder Cup in New York, with the European team again captained by Luke Donald, who has also been confirmed to play at the K-Club.
The English golfer and his wife Diane live next door to McIlroy and his wife Erica Stoll.
And the Donalds welcomed their neighbours home following Rory’s Augusta heroics with green and gold streamers hanging from a garden post.
Diane Donald posted a pic of the the welcome home to social media, saying: “Haven’t done this since I was in high school – but it’s not every day your neighbour wins the Masters and completes the Grand Slam.”
Political leaders in Northern Ireland are drawing up plans for a massive homecoming for their local hero but the US-based star’s busy schedule has left things a bit up in the air.
In the wake of his victory, Rory said he couldn’t wait to celebrate this with his parents Gerry and Rosie, who watched the win at home in Co Down.
But it’s unclear if he intended to fly home to see them or have them fly to Florida.
McIlroy has taken the week off and won’t play in the RBC Heritage in South Carolina but he is expected to line out alongside fellow Irishman at the Zurich Masters in New Orleans next week.
North Down and Ards Council said that they were on board to assist Holywood Golf Club, where McIlroy started his playing career, with any arrangements to celebrate alongside the star.
A spokesperson said: “We understand plans are already underway for a homecoming event organised by Holywood Golf Club. Ards and North Down Borough Council will be offering assistance to the club as needed to support this celebration.”
However, the Co Down club said that any homecoming celebration would depend on the wishes and availability of the star.
RORY GLORY
Tom Widley, general manager at Holywood Golf Club said they weren’t sure whether McIlroy would be able to present for a homecoming event.
He said: “We haven’t organised anything yet and if we will have a homecoming will depend on Rory.
“Certainly earlier in his career we would’ve, but now that he is based in the US, we will have to wait and see if he is available when he contacts us.”
BET BONUS
Meanwhile, Rory’s win scooped one Irish punter a cool £25,548.74 with William Hill.
The customer backed the golfer to win the Masters at 6/1, Nick Rockett to win the Grand National at 20/1 and Godwinson to win the William Hill Lincoln at 14/1.
He placed a £11.86 each-way win treble and also pulled off an £11.86 each-way place treble on McIlroy, Godwinson and this time Iroko in the National at 9/1.
