After many years searching for a title sponsor for Ireland’s flagship tour event,good news is set to be announced tomorrow when a multi-million deal with a blue chip corporate backer will be unveiled, initially on a one-year contract for May’s event at Royal Co Down but with an option going forward.

That new sponsor is certain to get bang for his buck as McIlroy, promoting the event through the Rory Foundation, convinces friends and rivals on the world stage to play one of golf’s iconic venues.

Dustin Johnson revealed after his Cadillac Championship victory at Doral on Sunday that he’s strongly considering an invite from McIlroy to join Ernie Els, Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood and, it was confirmed yesterday, Padraig Harrington in the line-up for the May 28-31 tournament, which will almost certainly draw full-capacity 20,000 spectators per day.

“I’d love to go back to Royal Co Down as it is one of my favourite links courses. I played the Walker Cup there so I have really good memories of the place.

“I really enjoyed that week and even though I’m not sure of my schedule at this stage, I’m going to try and make it work.” McIlroy also was in touch with Adam Scott at Doral when Australia’s 2013 Masters champion said he’d welcome an invite to play at Royal Co Down.

Johnson’s return with Rickie Fowler to the scene of their 2007 Walker Cup triumph over McIlroy’s GB&I side should be of immense significance as the 30-year-old American emerges as the Holywood native’s hottest rival.

As Tiger and Phil fade, the sport needs someone to step forward and challenge McIlroy, and Johnson is that man.

“Cleary Rory is a great player and has won a few Majors but I think I can play with him,” he said. “I’m not afraid of him, that’s for sure.

“He’s a great golfer and I think I am too, so I’d really like the chance to come down the stretch with him and see what we’re made of.” Not only is Johnson one of those rare individuals capable of matching McIlroy’s power and accuracy off the tee, the towering American is so charmingly simple and uncomplicated by nature, he’s positively dangerous - especially now he’s found harmony in his personal life, emerging from his recent ‘self-imposed’ six-month exile from the sport 12 pounds lighter and looking more focused than ever.

Therefore as the event gathers momentum and a new sponsor is unveiled, Rory and his team will continue the great work of securing entries for this years event.No doubt with many of games top players committing to the event tickets will soon be snapped up.

PGA Tour Event : Valspar Championship Henrik Stenson at 16/1 represents great each way value. Played well last week, finishing tied 4th at Doral.

Ping new G30 range now in store - Book your Demo Today. For more information on Custom Fitting sessions and all the new golfing products for 2015 call The Pro Shop at Enniskillen Golf Club on 028 66325250 or check www.thegolfcabin.co.uk. Book yourself a lesson on our new GC2 Simulator-build a programme to help your game using the latest technology.

Liam Mc Cool PGA Golf Professional Enniskillen Golf Club After many years searching for a title sponsor for Ireland’s flagship tour event,good news is set to be announced tomorrow when a multi-million deal with a blue chip corporate backer will be unveiled, initially on a one-year contract for May’s event at Royal Co Down but with an option going forward.

That new sponsor is certain to get bang for his buck as McIlroy, promoting the event through the Rory Foundation, convinces friends and rivals on the world stage to play one of golf’s iconic venues.

Dustin Johnson revealed after his Cadillac Championship victory at Doral on Sunday that he’s strongly considering an invite from McIlroy to join Ernie Els, Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood and, it was confirmed yesterday, Padraig Harrington in the line-up for the May 28-31 tournament, which will almost certainly draw full-capacity 20,000 spectators per day.

“I’d love to go back to Royal Co Down as it is one of my favourite links courses. I played the Walker Cup there so I have really good memories of the place.

“I really enjoyed that week and even though I’m not sure of my schedule at this stage, I’m going to try and make it work.” McIlroy also was in touch with Adam Scott at Doral when Australia’s 2013 Masters champion said he’d welcome an invite to play at Royal Co Down.

Johnson’s return with Rickie Fowler to the scene of their 2007 Walker Cup triumph over McIlroy’s GB&I side should be of immense significance as the 30-year-old American emerges as the Holywood native’s hottest rival.

As Tiger and Phil fade, the sport needs someone to step forward and challenge McIlroy, and Johnson is that man.

“Cleary Rory is a great player and has won a few Majors but I think I can play with him,” he said. “I’m not afraid of him, that’s for sure.

“He’s a great golfer and I think I am too, so I’d really like the chance to come down the stretch with him and see what we’re made of.” Not only is Johnson one of those rare individuals capable of matching McIlroy’s power and accuracy off the tee, the towering American is so charmingly simple and uncomplicated by nature, he’s positively dangerous - especially now he’s found harmony in his personal life, emerging from his recent ‘self-imposed’ six-month exile from the sport 12 pounds lighter and looking more focused than ever.

Therefore as the event gathers momentum and a new sponsor is unveiled, Rory and his team will continue the great work of securing entries for this years event.No doubt with many of games top players committing to the event tickets will soon be snapped up.

PGA Tour Event : Valspar Championship Henrik Stenson at 16/1 represents great each way value. Played well last week, finishing tied 4th at Doral.

Ping new G30 range now in store - Book your Demo Today. For more information on Custom Fitting sessions and all the new golfing products for 2015 call The Pro Shop at Enniskillen Golf Club on 028 66325250 or check www.thegolfcabin.co.uk. Book yourself a lesson on our new GC2 Simulator-build a programme to help your game using the latest technology.

Liam Mc Cool PGA Golf Professional Enniskillen Golf Club