*Seamus Power. Photograph: Getty Images
Irish Olympian Seamus Power will make his first appearance on home soil in six years when the USA-based star plays in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Lahinch Golf Club from July 4-7.
Waterford’s Power enjoyed a glittering career in American collegiate golf, representing East Tennessee State University, before building a professional career in the States which has culminated in a consistent three seasons on the US PGA Tour.
The 32-year-old will make a long-awaited professional appearance on Irish soil when he joins a world-class field at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, alongside former Race to Dubai Champion Tommy Fleetwood, Ryder Cup legend Ian Poulter and 2010 Open Champion Louis Oosthuizen.
Power will add to a strong line up of home heroes which includes his 2016 Olympic golf team partner and three-time Major winner Padraig Harrington, Shane Lowry – the first Rolex Series Champion of the 2019 Race to Dubai and former U.S. Open Champion Graeme McDowell.
“I am thrilled to be making my home debut at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open and I cannot wait for it to come around,” said Power, who has twice played his home Open, once in 2005 as an amateur and again in 2013. “I have to thank Dubai Duty Free for extending this invite and for Paul McGinley to help make this happen.
“Although I play my golf in the USA, I am a very proud Irishman and it will be a really special moment for me to tee it up in front of my home fans as a professional, especially at a classic Irish links course like Lahinch Golf Club. Hopefully I’ll get great support from the fans and it promises to be a great week.”
Northern Irishman Cormac Sharvin, who has been playing on the Challenge Tour and had a European Tour top 20 finish and Gavin Moynihan winner of the 2018 GolfSixes for Team Ireland have also received invites from Sport Ireland.
Chief Executive of Sport Ireland, John Treacy, said: “Cormac and Gavin have shown themselves to be two of Ireland’s brightest golfing talents, and competing in a very strong field will be extremely beneficial to their continued development. Sport Ireland supports Team Ireland Golf to ensure Ireland continues to produce world-class golfers long into the future.”
