The field for the Amgen Irish Open at the K Club just got significantly stronger with the confirmation that five-time major winner Brooks Koepka, past champion and former Masters winner Sergio Garcia, and eight-time DP World Tour winner and three-time Ryder Cupper Tyrrell Hatton will tee it up.
With reigning Masters champion, Career Grand Slam winner and 2016 Irish Open winner at the K Club, Rory McIlroy, already set to headline the field along with 2019 Open champion Shane Lowry, three-time major winner and reigning Senior U.S. Open and Senior Open champion Pádraig Harrington, and two-time PGA Tour winner Séamus Power, the addition of the trio who play their golf on LIV means it’s already shaping up to be the strongest field in recent Irish Open history.
“It’s an incredible boost for the tournament,” said K Club Director, MJ Fetherston. “Brooks Koepka is one of the greatest big-game performers of his generation, Sergio Garcia won his first European Tour title on Irish soil back in 1999 and is still performing at the highest level, and Hatton has been one of the top European performers for the last decade and has always been a strong supporter of the Irish Open whenever possible.
“We are keen to showcase the K Club once again and to make the Amgen Irish Open one of the most memorable events on the DP World Tour schedule. The addition of three of the biggest names in world golf will only serve to make it stronger.”
European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald had already confirmed his attendance, as had defending champion Rasmus Højgaard who is strongly fancied to make his Ryder Cup debut at Bethpage in New York at the end of September.
“Winning the Amgen Irish Open last year was one of the most special moments of my career,” said Højgaard. “To do it in such dramatic fashion, against such a strong field, is something I’ll never forget.
“I’m really looking forward to returning to The K Club this September. It’s a world-class venue with a rich history, and the Irish fans always create an incredible atmosphere. Defending my title there will be a real honour.
“The Irish Open is always one of the highlights of the season. It’s a special tournament to me and I’m excited to be part of it again and hopefully give myself a chance to lift the trophy one more time.”
In two Irish Open appearances at the K Club, McIlroy won in devastating fashion back in 2016 and played in the final group on Sunday in 2023, and the European number one is keen to get a second Irish Open victory on his CV after finishing runner-up at Royal County Down last year.
“Playing in the Irish Open, in front of your home fans, is always a special experience,” McIlroy said. “Growing up as a kid, I have so many great memories of going to the Irish Open, soaking up the atmosphere and hoping to catch a glimpse of some of my favourite players.
“The support the Irish players receive is unmatched. The scenes at Royal County Down last year were unforgettable. While I unfortunately came up just short that week, the roars walking down the 18th hole and the energy from the crowd will stay with me forever.
“The K Club has always been a fantastic venue, and I’m sure the fans will be out in force again this year. I can’t wait to be a part of it and to share another amazing week with everyone there.”
Supplementing the already strong field are rising stars and recent DP World Tour winners Martin Couvra, Eugenio Chacarra, Marco Penge and Danish breakout star Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen, with other names set to be announced in the coming weeks.