The European Tour has confirmed that this year's Irish Open will be staged at the Fota Island Resort in Cork.

After a month of speculation, the Tour has announced that the tournament will return to the resort, which last staged the Irish Open in 2002.

The course was purchased by Chinese investors The Kang Group Worldwide just last year and they have agreed to act as an Official Sponsor as well as tournament hosts.

Cork's City and County Councils will provide financial support for the tournament through their Economic Development Funds, while the European Tour has also announced that they have secured further backing from the private sector after construction firm BAM Contractors also agreed to act as official sponsor.

This year's Irish Open will take place from June 19th to 22nd.

A view of the 18th green in 2001 ©INPHO/Tom Honan