The DP World Tour has confirmed that Rory McIlroy will defend his Irish Open title in September.
The Northern Irishman won the tournament for the second time last season in an epic finish at The K Club.
He made a 28-foot eagle to force a play-off against Joakim Lagergren and then beat him on the third extra hole.
It comes as no surprise that McIlroy will be in the field at Trump International Golf Links , Doonbeg, later this year.
Rory McIlroy was always likely to return to the Irish Open after the incredible scenes at The K Club last year.
The home support for McIlroy was more like a football match than a golf tournament, and he gave the fans an unforgettable memory.
Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images
"I'm looking forward to returning home for the Amgen Irish Open later this year," McIlroy said on the DP World Tour website .
"Playing in front of Irish fans is always incredibly special. The scenes at The K Club last year were unforgettable.
"The roar when I holed my eagle putt on the 18th and the energy from the crowd will stay with me forever. Hopefully, I can give the fans more of the same this year at Doonbeg."
McIlroy's Irish Open title defence could be even more exciting after a recent development concerning the president of the United States, Donald Trump .
Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
United States Ambassador to Ireland, Edward Walsh, recently suggested that Donald Trump could attend the Irish Open.
The event will be held at Trump's state-of-the-art golf course in Doonbeg, so it would make sense for him to be there.
"We do have a potential presidential visit at the Irish Open in September," Walsh said at an American Chamber of Commerce Ireland event in Dublin, via Belfast Telegraph .
Trump's attendance would add another layer to an already fascinating tournament on the west coast of Ireland.
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