• 2012 Irish Open

McIlroy commits to 2012 Irish Open

Rory McIlroy is seeking victory in Hong Kong this week © Getty Images

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Rory McIlroy has confirmed he will play in the 2012 Irish Open, as opposed to making a return to the scene of his biggest win as a player for the AT&T National.

With McIlroy committing himself to the PGA Tour in 2012, there was speculation that he would snub the Irish Open in favour of a visit to Congressional, where he won the US Open this year.

In a bid to nip the speculation the bud, McIlroy has confirmed he will be in action in Ireland from June 28 to July 1.

"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," McIlroy, who is in action at the Hong Kong Open this week, said.

"For me, the Irish Open has always been, and will continue to be, one of the most important events on the global golf calendar. It's our national open and it's obviously a title that I would love to win at some stage in my career.

"With Irish golf on such a high in recent years, it is important that we put on a good show not only for the home fans, but also for the global golf audience who will be watching the event on TV next summer."

McIlroy has insisted he will feature regularly on the European Tour despite taking up his PGA card for 2012.

He said: "A lot has been made of me joining the PGA Tour again next year, but in reality, it's not a drastic change to the schedule I have played in recent seasons. It just means that I will be adding a few more events to my schedule in America in 2012.

"Taking my PGA Tour card again does not mean that I'm going to neglect my European Tour status. I'll continue to play a similar schedule of events in Europe and will obviously fulfil my commitment to the European Tour."

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