McIlroy to start with defending champion Kjeldsen as Ballyliffen express Irish Open interest

Tournament host Rory McIlroy will be among the afternoon starters on the opening day of this week’s Irish Open at the K Club.
The world number three has been paired with Andy Sullivan and defending champion Soren Kjeldsen, with the group set to tee-off at 25-past one.
The likes of Paul McGinley, Padraig Harrington and Shane Lowry will be among the early starters on Thursday morning.
Meanwhile Ballyliffen Golf Club have asked the European Tour to add their Inishowen venue to it’s rota of Irish Open courses in the hope of hosting the event in three years time.
The BBC reported that officials from Ballyliffen have travelled to the K Club this week in an effort to host the Irish Open in 2019, just a few weeks before the British Open Championship at Royal Portrush.
Ballyliffen has previously held European Senior and Challenge Tour events.