Rory McIlroy could face 2012 Irish Open dilemma
- Published
Rory McIlroy won the 2011 US Open at the Congressional Club in Maryland
Rory McIlroy could miss next year's Irish Open because of a clash with a big tournament in the United States.
McIlroy might have to choose between the Irish event and the AT&T National at the Congressional Club, the scene of his US Open victory in June.
It is understood an insurance company is being lined up to take over as title sponsor of the Irish Open.
As part of that, it could move from its normal late July slot in the European Tour schedule to 28 June-1 July.
In August, McIlroy said he was planning to rejoin the PGA Tour, external in the USA, after a one-year absence.
McIlroy won the US Open at the Congressional Club by an amazing eight-shot margin, finishing on 16 under par.
It made him the youngest champion since Bobby Jones in 1923 and the youngest major winner since Tiger Woods won the Masters in 1997.
McIlroy finished 12 shots behind winner Simon Dyson in the Irish Open , externalin July. The tournament had hugely reduced prize money because there was no main sponsor.