Official Sponsor Bridgestone has introduced a new award at this year’s Galgorm Resort and Spa NI Open, presented by Modest! Golf for the leading Irish player under 30.
A total of 24 Irish players teed it up at Galgorm Castle this week, 15 of which are under 30 and eligible to pick up the new Bridgestone trophy and a cheque for £250 come Sunday evening.
Cormac Sharvin was in the early driving seat after the Ardglass professional carded an opening four under par 67 to be inside the top ten after the first round and the early leading Irishman.
“We’ve been involved with the NI Open for a number of years and we felt there was an opportunity to put up a special award to recognise the best Irish player under 30. It’s recognition of emerging talent and the young Irish players looking to make their way in the professional game,” explained Colm Conyngham, Marketing Manager, Bridgestone Ireland.
“We appreciate the stream of golfing talent that comes through every year in Ireland and Bridgestone wants to help support these players, both in the amateur and professional game.
“As a company we’re delighted to be part of the NI Open, they do a fantastic job here at Galgorm Castle. It has become a world class event and is an important tournament for the development of young players and that’s what Bridgestone is all about."
Bridgestone supports Irish golf at a number of different levels. This year the world’s largest tyre manufacturer began sponsoring the GUI’s Order of Merit, which this week was won by Castle’s Alex Gleeson after a close-run race with Tramore’s Robin Dawson.
“What we do here in Ireland complements our involvement in golf at other levels too. We’re here in a sponsorship capacity as the tyre company, but other divisions of the business supply the likes of Tiger Woods with his golf ball. There are many different strands to the business.”
The leading Irish player under 30 will be presented with the trophy and cheque at Sunday’s prizegiving on the 18thgreen immediately after play concludes.
