Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell are the latest Irish players to confirm their participation in this summer’s Irish Open. The Ulster golfers will join fellow Irish Major winners of recent years Rory McIlroy and Pádraig Harrington in the field at Carton House in June.

Clarke, who will be making his 22nd appearance in the event having finished runner-up in 2001 and third in 2006, said the tournament was always a highlight of his schedule.

“The atmosphere at Royal Portrush last year was unbelievable and I think we can expect some more fantastic home support at Carton House,” he said. “I played well the last time we were there in 2006 so I’d like to think I can do well again.”

McDowell has not enjoyed much success in the Irish Open, having failed to post a top-10 finish, but is hoping to join the likes of Harrington and Shane Lowry in winning his home Open.

“We’ve had some great success on the international stage and so it would be nice for one of us to do it at home, in front of our own fans,” the 2010 US Open winner said yesterday. “Personally, I’d love to win the Irish Open one day and hopefully this can be the year I do it.”