Graeme McDowell will host the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open in 2020 and 2021.
McDowell is to follow in the footsteps of Rory McIlroy, who revived the fortunes of the tournament when he hosted it through his charitable foundation between 2015 and '18, and of Paul McGinley last year.
With McIlroy deciding to take a step back last summer in his bid for Open glory in Portrush, Dubliner McGinley hosted in Lahinch and the tournament was a big success.
It also marked the start of a new hosting process, with Padraig Harrington, Darren Clarke, McGinley and McIlroy committing to hosting the event on a rotational basis.
After Harrington decided not to take up the baton due to his Ryder Cup captaincy, former US Open champ McDowell will host at Mount Juliet in 2020 as well as the following year, with Portstewart believed to be the venue chosen, but the European Tour are yet to confirm that.
Announcing the decision on social media today, McDowell said: “It’s a huge privilege to have the opportunity to host the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open in both 2020 and 2021.
“The event has gone from strength to strength over the last few years with the support of Dubai Duty Free and the efforts of Rory and Paul as hosts, alongside everybody at the European Tour.
“I’m really looking forward to taking on that responsibility over the next two years and adding to the history of this great tournament, which has become a global spectacle that Irish golf fans can be proud of.
“Our island is famous for its incredible golf courses and passionate golf fans, both north and south of the border and obviously I would love to bring the event to Northern Ireland in 2021.
"But my focus now is on next year at Mount Juliet Estate and making sure that is another world-class sporting occasion".
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