Graeme McDowell has confirmed that he will miss the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open for the first time since 2001 to retain his Coralus Punta Cana Resort, Club Championship title.

Get the best prices and book a round of one of 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland

McDowell was to host the next two editions of the event, 2020 competition only Postponed to its original May date Corona virus loses its Rolex series status due to pandemic.

It was the tournament Moved from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland due to global travel restrictions, With the Rider Cup extended week-long event scheduled for Sept. 24-27.

McDowell missed the cut at last year’s Irish Open

Corals Punta Cana Resort, where the new date has been rescheduled, will clash with the club championship, where McDowell won a one-shot victory in 2019, returning to the Dominican Republic at the end of this month instead of competing on home soil at Galgorm Castle. .

In a statement issued InstagramMcDowell said: “I made a very difficult decision not to travel and compete at the DDF Irish Open in Galgor Castle this year.

“I have never failed to attend this great event in the last 18 years and I regret that I decided not to play this year because I made the necessary changes to the event, travel and scheduling issues.

“I will be competing at the Coral Poonta Cana Resort and Club Championship the same week.

A one-shot victory for McDowell was his fourth PGA Tour title

“Preventing this event under normal circumstances would not be a priority than playing at my home open, but unprecedented circumstances make it a great option for me right now.

“I apologize to Dubai Duty Free and would like to thank them again for their amazing commitment to bring me back to the Irish Open Map.

Other players who have confirmed they will not return to play the tournament a week after the US Open include Rory McIlroy and defending champion John Raham. Shane Lori is committed to the event.

Watch the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open live on Sky Sports Golf from September 24 to 27!