Pros advice

Hideki Matsuyama has been confirmed as the latest top-10 golfer to compete at this year’s Irish Open from 6-9 July.

The Japanese golfer will join Justin Rose, Danny Willett, Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy in a packed field at Portstewart.

It’s been a tremendous 12 months for the World No.4, which includes three wins on the PGA Tour, one of which coming at the WGC-HSBC Champions.

25-year-old Matsuyama has also shown plenty of promise in major events, racking up five top-10 finishes and a further two in the top 20.

"It is important to play some links golf ahead of The Open Championship and I'm sure Portstewart will be the perfect preparation for me," he said.

"I know Rory puts a lot into this tournament and he has done an incredible job raising its profile. I'm really excited and I know it will be a great week."

The new Rolex Series, which includes the Irish Open, is a premium category of events on the European Tour calendar. Each comes with a minimum prize fund of $7m.