Observing Rory McIlroy’s build-up to last year’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open in Portstewart, one might have guessed that he would not play his best golf during the week.

An Evening with Rory kicked off proceedings on Tuesday, where Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was interviewed by James Nesbitt at the Belfast Waterfront. A press conference around midday followed on Wednesday, followed by a five-hour five-ball featuring the Spaniard and jockey AP McCoy.

A tired-looking Rory came in from the round to sign some autographs, bellowing out to his handlers “do you need me for anything else?” A few hours later, he was welcoming Two Door Cinema Club onto the main stage at Portstewart in the opening ceremony. The main star shot 72-73 for the first two days to comfortably miss his fourth cut in five Irish Opens.

It may well have been the final straw in Rory’s attempts to carry his national Open on his broad shoulders. Utilising the model that has seen the British Masters return successfully to the European Tour International Schedule in recent years, the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open will be hosted on rotation between Paul McGinley, Darren Clarke, Padraig Harrington, Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy over the next five years, starting in 2019.

It is a wise move for all concerned, and it will kick off with Paul McGinley next year, who is happy to do what he can to help the talented Northern Irishman.

“As much as he has enjoyed hosting, it is a drain on his time,” McGinley told Off the Ball. “He has looked at his record, that’s not good enough for him. He wants to prepare better, especially with the Open coming to Portrush in 2019.”

Attendances for the Irish Open have been excellent in recent years, although Portstewart did not reach the heights of Portrush and Royal County Down with 79,856 over the four days, not helped by Rory missing the weekend. Another reason may have been because of rising of ticket prices, which McGinley is looking into changing for his event.

“I think $7m is an incredible prize fund, we shouldn’t need to focus on driving the money up on the prize fund, but rather focus on the experience of the fans who come to watch.

“If more funds were available, I would like to invest more at ground level to create an awesome experience in the tented village, and to lower the price.”

With the 2019 edition set to be hosted at a “links course south of Dublin”, and world-class stars guaranteed, fans from down the country could be set for an unforgettable tournament.