New K Club touring professional Seamus Power has hailed news that the venue will host three of the next six Horizon Irish Opens as part of a long-term deal with the DP World Tour starting next year in 2023, with further dates confirmed for 2025 and 2027.
As part of the deal, the K Club’s second Arnold Palmer-designed course, Palmer South, will also play host to the Challenge Tour’s Irish Challenge in the intervening years starting this July but it was the main Irish Open revelation that had people talking, with Power phoning in from America to greet a special announcement for the iconic Straffan venue.
“This is amazing,” said Power, who last played at the Irish Open at Lahinch in 2019.
“The Irish Open for me when I look back growing up, it was always memorable going to the Irish Open. To have it going to a venue like the K Club for three of the next six years is going to be very special for Irish golf and very special for Irish golfers.
“I think I can speak for most Irish people and Irish golfers that I can’t wait to get a look at the K Club again for myself and enjoy watching golfers walk around it.”
Before next year’s renewal, Power will play in front of his home fans for the first time since becoming a PGA Tour winner when the Waterford man tees it up at this summer’s Horizon Irish Open, which returns to the stunning Mount Juliet Estate from June 30 – July 3.
Power, who has been based in the USA since graduating from East Tennessee State University, has only played his home national open on three occasions – making his last appearance in 2019 – but unburdened by status uncertainty this time around, Power will hope a narrow focus translates to better results back on home soil in Kilkenny.
“I cannot wait to return to the Horizon Irish Open and play in front of the home fans for the first time since my win on the PGA Tour,” said Power, who has signed up as a DP World Tour Member for the 2022 season.
“I have received so much attention and love from home since that win, and during my recent run of good form, so I’m looking forward to showing my gratitude at Mount Juliet in July.
“It’s a tournament which is very close to my heart obviously, and I had an unbelievable experience at Lahinch in 2019. The tournament has grown so much and has become a real festival for the Irish sporting public, so I’m sure it will be no different this year. Hopefully I can put on a good show for the fans.”
It was announced in February that all general admission tickets for Sunday at the 2022 Horizon Irish Open have sold out, the earliest sell-out day in the history of the DP World Tour. Limited tickets still remain for the Wednesday Celebrity Pro-Am, as well as the first three tournament days – Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Premium Experience hospitality packages are also selling fast, with The Range Club – an ideal offering for smaller groups wishing to relax in style and enjoy outstanding service in a relaxed hospitality environment – already sold out on Sunday.
General admission tickets and Premium Experience hospitality packages, which also include the Green on 18 experience, can be purchased here and fans are encouraged to purchase in advance to avoid disappointment.
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