Rory McIlroy eyeing record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai Crown as Irish Open begins

The world number two and defending champion headlines a stellar international field at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel, Ireland, Doonbeg, seeking his third victory at the island of Ireland's national open.

Should he do so, he will join an exclusive club that features Seve Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer, Sir Nick Faldo and Colin Montgomerie, with the Scotsman in McIlroy's sights as the standard bearer for Harry Vardon Trophies as European Number One.

Second on the Race to Dubai Rankings Delivered by DP World, after a campaign that has already seen him retain his Masters title, this week sees the six-time Major champion bid to close the gap to - and possibly overtake - American Patrick Reed at the top of the season-long standings.

With starts to follow at the BMW PGA Championship, DP World India Championship and the end-of-season Play-Offs over the coming weeks, along with a confirmed return to Australia towards the end of the year, McIlroy is feeling energised by the opportunity to create more history.

"I've made a lot of effort over the last few years to, I guess, really focus on this part of of the season," McIlroy said at his pre-tournament press conference on Wednesday.

"I think part of that is being in contention for the Race to Dubai again and to try to equal Monty, and I've been pretty successful in terms of that over the last few years.

"There's a lot of events that are very meaningful to me, the Irish Open, next week at Wentworth, we have a home there.

"The Middle East has always been a place that's been good to me; and the Australian Open, as well, a tournament that is very special to me. I love going down to Australia.

"It would be wonderful to get down there and play like last year and I'm looking forward to doing that again this year."

McIlroy provided one of the moments of the season last year on his way to victory at last year's Irish Open, eagling the par five finishing hole at The K Club to deafening support from the home crowds before beating Joakim Lagergren in a play-off.

Reflecting on the support he received, several months on from becoming a career Grand Slam winner with his memorable first title at Augusta National, the 37-year-old admits he never takes for granted the chance to perform in front of home crowds.

"It was a magical weekend, and obviously the scenes of the celebrations and dads and sons hugging each other, it was very fulfilling and I'm glad I got the opportunity to be a part of it," he said.

The 21-time DP World Tour winner added: "Of all the moments I've had in my career, when all is said and done, it will be up there with the best ones."

A winner of his home open for the first time in 2016, this year he is faced with a new test as Trump Doonbeg becomes the 467th different venue on the DP World Tour.

It marks a return to championship golf in County Clare, with nearby Lahinch having held the Irish Open in 2019 when McIlroy's Ryder Cup teammate Jon Rahm won the title.

Opened in 2002, Trump Doonbeg was redesigned by architect Martin Hawtree in 2016 and updated last winter, notably the first and 18th holes, in readiness to host this tournament.

Asked for his initial thoughts on the assignment that awaits the field, McIlroy, who has not visited the venue in more than 20 years since his days as an amateur, said: "It's a pretty intimidating start with the water on the left and the wind off the left as well.

"The last hole, few holes, they look like they have been there forever. I didn't realise they were only a few months old.

"Strong par fours, strong holes to start with and tough finishing holes. Good driving holes. First time I've been to the golf course, and it's a modern interpretation of a links.

"I think depending on the conditions, if it's breezy like it has been the last few days it will provide a pretty good test."

McIlroy will begin his title defence alongside Robert MacIntyre and Brooks Koepka, with the star three-ball beginning their first round at 13:35pm local time on Thursday.