Rory McIlroy has committed to play in the 2012 Irish Open, instead of playing in the AT&T National at Congressional, site of his historic U.S. Open win.
“There has been a lot of speculation on whether or not I will play the Irish Open next year, so I am happy to announce that I will definitely play the tournament next season,’ he said in a release. “For me, the Irish Open has always been, and will continue to be, one of the most important events on the global golf calendar.’
The Ulsterman had acknowledged he was wavering between the competing events, which will both be June 28-July 1. The Irish Open moved for 2012 to accommodate the Olympic Games in London next July. The AT&T National moved up a week from its traditional Independence Day weekend slot.
Despite taking up PGA Tour membership next season, McIlroy reiterated his schedule will change little from 2011.
“Taking my PGA Tour card again does not mean that I’m going to neglect my European Tour status,’ he said. ‘I’ll continue to play a similar schedule of events in Europe and will obviously fulfil my commitment to the European Tour.”