Former world number one and current leader of the Malaysian Open Lee Westwood is set to return to Ireland when he plays in this year's Irish Open.

The tournament, hosted by current world number one Rory McIlroy, will take place at Royal County Down from May 28-31, and it will be Westwood’s first professional appearance in Northern Ireland.

Westwood joins a field already containing McIlroy, Rickie Fowler, Graeme McDowell and Daren Clarke, and the 41-year-old said: "I'm really looking forward to playing. I've heard a lot about the golf course - County Down has that legendary status.

“I haven’t played in the Irish Open for a long time. It’s somewhere I’ve been successful and had a lot of support from the local fans. I’ve always seemed to get on very well with the Irish.

“I played the Amateur Championship in Northern Ireland - at Royal Portrush in 1993 - but this will be the first time I’ve played as a professional there.

“I can’t wait to go back and play the Irish Open. It’s a great tournament and I’m really excited that it’s back on my schedule for the first time since 2009.”

Also taking part in the tournament is defending champion Miko Illonen, who said: “Whenever I am in Ireland, the thing which always strikes me is how good the crowds are.

“I played with Rory at Portrush three years ago and it was massive. The fans know and appreciate their golf and it’s an amazing place to play.”