It was strongly speculated that the Kilkenny-based Mount Juliet club would host the tournament in May.

BBC: Irish Open set for Baltray in May

In Tennessee, officials confirmed that a tornado with peak winds of 115 mph touched down in Mount Juliet.

WSJ: 2 dead after storms rake South, move to Northeast

However, a statement released from Mount Juliet in December said that it had "reluctantly" decided against staging the event.

BBC: Irish Open set for Baltray in May

At a shopping center in Mount Juliet, large sheets of metal littered the parking lot and light poles were knocked down.

WSJ: 2 dead after storms rake South, move to Northeast

Hall in Mount Juliet, Tenn.

NPR: 2 Dead After Storms Rake South, Take Aim At East