Irish Open - Carton House, Co. Kildare (27th - 30th June 2013)

After a couple of years spent in the tranquil surrounds of the Killarney Golf & Fishing Club and the wonderful Killeen Course, the 2012 Irish Open was played out on the world class Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush Golf Club. Many saw the event as a test run for the famous links on the shores of County Antrim for its reintroduction to the Open Championship rota.

After one of the most keenly attended events in European Tour history, it seems likely that the R&A will have to do just that in the years to come. If this is to happen, the Irish Open needs a new home and in 2013 it will head back to Carton House, host of the tournament in 2005 and 2006.

Carton House is home to two excellent parkland course designed by golfing greats, Colin Montgomerie and Mark O’Meara. Previously the tournament was held on the revered Montgomerie Course but with the O’Meara Course set to benefit from a number of alterations and renovations, it is yet to be decided which course will host Ireland’s flagship tournament.

With the powers that be in limbo over which course to use for the tournament, both courses are being prepped as if they will be hosting the Irish Open meaning there has never been a better time to pay Carton House a visit.