Newcastle , United Kingdom--World number one Rory McIlroy says he will enjoy his role as tournament host but also wants to correct his form at this week's Irish Open at Royal County Down in Northern Ireland.
McIlroy heads one of the strongest fields ever assembled to contest Ireland's premier golfing event with the four-time Major winner among three players ranked inside the top ten in the world rankings.
Joining McIlroy is number seven Sergio Garcia of Spain, who captured a maiden European Tour event in winning the 1999 Irish Open, while American number nine Rickie Fowler, and winner of the recent Players Championship, was a member of the victorious 2007 USA Walker Cup team at Royal County Down.
It is the first time since the inaugural Irish Open in 1927 the tournament has been staged on the links gem bordering the township of Newcastle that more recently hosted three British Senior Open Championships from 2000 to 2002.
McIlroy is no stranger to the course having played it regularly, including a visit last Sunday in the company of his father, Gerry and coach Michael Bannon.
And it's McIlroy's extensive knowledge of the course that he hopes will turn around the disappointment of the past two years when he's missed the cut as well as failing to qualify for the weekend at last week's European PGA Championship.
AFP
