Another star lines up for Irish Open

Cabrero Bello joins stellar cast for next month's tournament

Bello
Published 15th Jun 2017

The big names just keep coming for this year’s Irish Open.

World No 28 and Ryder Cup star, Rafa Cabrera Bello, is the latest to commit to the tournament, hosted by the Rory Foundation in Portstewart from July 6 to 9.

Cabrera Bello joins a stellar cast including Rory McIlroy, himself – the defending champion – ex US Open champion, Justin Rose and World No 4 Hideki Matsuyama.

The 33 year old from Gran Canaria has finished in the top ten in four of his last five appearances at the event, with two of his best results coming on local soil.

He finished as joint runner-up back in 2012 at Royal Portrush, where Jamie Donaldson emerged victorious, while two years ago at Royal County Down he just missed out on a place in the three-way play-off, eventually won by Dane Søren Kjeldsen.

“I absolutely love playing in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open,” said Cabrera Bello, who has claimed two top fives in his last three appearances on the US PGA Tour. “It’s always one of my favourite events and you can see that in my recent record at this event.

“The atmosphere is always incredible and I love playing in front of such knowledgeable golf fans. I really enjoy playing on classic links courses too and I think they really suit my game.

“With this tournament now a part of the Rolex Series, I think it will be even more special and it looks like it will be a really strong field so I’m looking forward to a great week.”