Golf fans who plan to go to The Irish Open next week will be disappointed by the news that tickets for Friday, Saturday and Sunday have already sold out with a limited number of tickets remaining for Saturday.#

2012 was the last time for the tournament to be held in Northern Ireland, and it was the Royal Portrush event was the first to sell out before it began in the history of the European Tour.

Finland's Mikko Ilonen will be defending his title next week after winning at Fota Island last year.

Rory McIlroy has taken on the mantle of tournament host and will gather an impressive list at the county Down course including Rickie Fowler, Sergio Garcia, Martin Kaymer and Ernie Els to join Irish stars such as Graeme McDowell, Shane Lowry and Padriag Harrington.