Keegan Bradley confirms to make debut on the European soil through the Irish Open – Golf News
Keegan Bradley has confirmed to participate in the Irish Open at the Royal Portrush Golf Club, Northern Ireland, slated to start from Thursday, June 28, 2012.
While teeing off in Northern Ireland, he will be making his professional debut on the European soil, as he has never played an event in Europe in the past.
“I'm very proud of my Irish heritage," said the reigning USPGA Champion, whose roots are in County Cork. "And I've wanted to represent them in the Irish national championship”.
"Also Graeme (McDowell) and Darren both have told me what a fabulous lay-out Portrush is, so I'm doubly excited about the opportunity to compete there," he added.
It will be the first time since 1953 that the tournament will be held in Northern Ireland. The major reason behind moving the tournament back to Northern Ireland is the major wins recorded by Darren Clarke (Open Champion) and Rory McIlroy (US Open) in 2011.
McIlroy and the Clarke were already in the field prior to the announcement made by Bradley. Therefore, the inclusion of three of the four current major winners will make the field more watchful this year.
Moreover, the tournament is also set to boost the local economy because of the confirmation by three major winners to participate in the event.
"To have a reigning US PGA Championship winner taking part is a major coup and delivers an even greater competitive edge to this tournament,” Northern Ireland's tourism minister Arlene Foster said.
He also said that Northen Ireland has the players that can go and compete against golfing giants all across the world.
Moreover, it allows the local administration to host some of the top European Tour events that can attract the best golfers from all over the world to visit the country and play quality golf.
Bradley is really confident to make a good start on the European soil as he has been enjoying a great form on the PGA Tour in the 2012 season.
In the 13 tournaments he has played so far, he succeeded in recording nine top-25 finishes, which speaks of his great track record in the past few months.
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