©DP World Tour

The four-time golfing champion scored a famous victory at the County Kildare venue in 2016, after performing a stunning birdie-by-eagle to win the Island of Ireland National Open by three strokes.

McIlroy ended a stellar season on a high last month by winning the Race to Dubai for the fourth time – adding to his FedEx Cup triumph on the PGA TOUR – and reaching world number one for the ninth time.

The Horizon Irish Open will be part of McIlroy's final preparation for next year's Ryder Cup in Rome and fans can now buy tickets to watch his return to the K Club.

“The Irish Open is a tournament where I grew up not just watching it on TV but going to it as a kid, seeing all my favorite players there over the years,” McIlroy said. “It has always been such a well-supported event. I've had my share of support and good memories at this tournament and returning to the K Club is where I've had the most success and I'm obviously excited to get back there."

"The atmosphere was electric at that final round in 2016 and I can't wait to see the fans out in force at the K Club once again. »

Rory McIlroy - Photo: © F.FROGER / 3Ds

History was made at the Horizon Irish Open last year, as Adrian Meronk became the first Polish winner on the DP World Tour when he claimed the title at Mount Juliet Estates. First played in 1927, the Irish Open is one of the most famous national Opens in the world. Meronk adds his name to a list of former champions including Seve Ballesteros, Sir Nick Faldo, Pádraig Harrington, Colin Montgomerie, José María Olazábal and Jon Rahm.

Fans are urged to secure Horizon Irish Open tickets well in advance as demand is high for the five-day golf festival, which begins with the Pro-Am on Wednesday September 6. Premium experiences are also available for all tournament days and can be purchased here.