Children throughout Ireland are being invited to draw a golfing picture to be in with a chance of winning some fabulous prizes for their school and family as part of a nationwide competition ahead of July's Dubai Duty Free Irish Open hosted by the Rory Foundation.

Set for Ballyliffin Golf Club in County Donegal from July 5-8, the competition will give children a chance to win a unique opportunity for their school to host a visit from the prestigious Waterford Crystal trophy – as well as a family pass and VIP Tour at the tournament’s Pro-Am on Wednesday, July 4.

To enter the competition, schoolchildren of all ages — or their parents and teachers — should simply submit a golf-themed drawing or painting of anything that inspires them, whether it be their favourite golfer, the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open trophy or a self-portrait of themselves on the golf course. 

Entries should be sent to trophytour@duffyrafferty.com along with contact details clearly stating the child’s name, age, address and school.  

Alternatively, parents and teachers can tweet photos to @ddfirishopen or post on the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Facebook page with the hashtags #ddfirishopen and #puttyourselfinthepicture.

Closing date for entries is Sunday, June 10 with the school visit taking place during the week of June 18-22.  For more details, click on www.duffyrafferty.com/ddfio-competition.

The winner will be selected by the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open judging panel and receive an amazing  prize package that includes a chance to get their hands on the prestigious trophy, a Q&A session with representatives of the European Tour and Rory Foundation at their school, and an insight into the life of a professional golfer from Ireland’s Dubai Duty Free golf ambassador Des Smyth. 

In addition, the winning child will each receive a family pass for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Pro-Am and a VIP tour with a chance to see Rory and some of the world’s top golfers up close.

Not only that, the winning picture will be put on display at the tournament for players and spectators to see, and signed by Dubai Duty Free Irish Open host Rory McIlroy and defending champion Jon Rahm before being auctioned to raise money for the winner’s school.  

The winner will also receive a signed copy to keep and treasure.

The European Tour’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Championship Director Simon Alliss said: "We are delighted to launch our fourth annual children’s competition. This year we are asking kids to send us an inspiring golf-themed picture of something that means a lot to them. 

"We can’t wait to go through all entries and see, through a child’s eye, what they love about golf.  The prize is extraordinary and really a one-off that is unique to the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open. We look forward to welcoming the winners at this year’s tournament and provide them with an experience of a lifetime!” he added.

Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice President and CEO of Dubai Duty Free said: "I think that it is fantastic for the tournament to go out to the schools in Ireland and really be part of the community.  

"I am sure that there will be a lot of entries in this competition and thanks to all those involved in organising and participating in this initiative.”

Brian McIlroy of the Rory Foundation said:  "Our annual Dubai Duty Free Irish Open children’s competition is part of a lasting legacy that is designed to interest and encourage the younger generation to take up the wonderful sport of golf - which is something that Rory himself is very passionate about.  

"Every year we are absolutely amazed at the standard of entries sent to us by children from every corner of Ireland and I suspect this year will not disappoint.  I know that Rory, like myself and the wider team, can’t wait to see the drawings!”

Tickets for the tournament are available at www.europeantour.com/tickets and a portion of all tickets sales this year will go towards the Rory Foundation which was established by McIlroy in 2013 to help children live better lives by raising funds and offering support to children’s charities around the world.