Barnardos, Ireland’s leading children’s charity, is set to benefit from next week’s Pro-Am Day preceding the Irish Open presented by Discover Ireland at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club.
Adult spectators eager to see Ireland’s four Major Champions in action on Wednesday, July 27 – including new Open Champion Darren Clarke – will be invited to make a donation of €5 which will provide a flying start to the week’s fundraising activities for Barnardos, the tournament’s Official Charity.
Interest in the pre-tournament Pro-Am, featuring three-time Major winner Padraig Harrington, 2010 US Open Champion Graeme McDowell, 2011 US Open Champion Rory McIlroy and last week’s Open Champion Clarke is expected to be enormous.
And tournament officials are confident that Irish golf fans will support a charitable initiative to assist an organisation such as Barnardos, who every year work with over 5,900 children and their families, providing direct services, advice and support through more than 40 centres backed in some of the most disadvantaged communities in Ireland.
Barnardos Chief Executive, Fergus Finlay, said: “This is a fantastic bonus to Barnardos fundraising efforts at the Irish Open and will kick start an exciting week. We are very grateful to all at The European Tour for their generous support. All of the funds raised on the Pro-Am day and throughout the Irish Open will go directly to support our work with vulnerable children and families across Ireland."
Ben Watson, Championship Director of the Irish Open presented by Discover Ireland, said: “We are expecting a great crowd at the Killarney Golf and Fishing Club which will enable us to raise as much money as possible for Barnardos. There are fewer more worthwhile causes and we hope the Irish golfing public will get behind this initiative.”
Under-16s and Senior Citizens will be admitted free of charge.
Tickets to the main tournament days in the 2011 Irish Open presented by Discover Ireland, from July 28-31, are currently available onwww.europeantour.com/tickets
