The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has urged Irish golf fans to book early for next year’s Irish Open at Royal County Down which will be hosted for the first time by World Number One Rory McIlroy’s charitable foundation.
The last time the Irish Open was held in Northern Ireland was in 2012 when the record-breaking event at Royal Portrush became the first European Tour event to totally sell out in advance.
Not only will the tournament be played on the prestigious links of Royal County Down, which has appeared in countless lists of the world’s best golf courses, but with The Rory Foundation on board as the official tournament host, it is expected that the world number one will enhance the already impressive Irish Open line-up by recruiting some of the leading players from both the European and PGA Tours for 2015.
Already one of golf’s most exciting young talents Rickie Fowler has confirmed his participation and more big names are expected to follow his example.
Organisers are keen that Irish golf fans get a chance to enjoy another momentous event, which takes place from May 28 to May 31, and as an added incentive to book early, early birds can save £10 if they book their tickets by December 31 before prices rise from £25 to the normal gate price of £35 from January 1, 2015. Ticket holders will be able to leave and re-enter the venue at their leisure.
Kids under the age of 16 will be admitted FREE as long as they are accompanied by an adult (up to four children are allowed with one paying adult).
NITB’s Chief Operating Officer Kathryn Thomson is looking forward once again to welcoming golf fans from the Republic of Ireland. She said: “Through its players and its magnificent golf courses, Northern Ireland can rightly claim that it’s the home of golf and we are thrilled at the prospect of Royal County Down hosting the 2015 Irish Open.
“We are expecting another historic event come next May and already, a sizeable number of tickets have been sold. The return of the Irish Open is a major coup for County Down and the whole of Northern Ireland. The tournament is a crucial element of our golf and events tourism focus and we will be working to ensure a really memorable visit for all attending the Irish Open because we want them to come back to experience not only other aspects of our golf product, but the natural beauty of County Down, and what other parts of Northern Ireland have to offer.
“Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell and Darren Clarke are wonderful ambassadors for Northern Ireland on a global stage and their magnificent achievements have certainly raised the profile of Northern Ireland on the global golf circuit. At NITB, we are determined to make the most of their success for the benefit of golf tourism in Northern Ireland which currently generates upwards of £27 million each year for the local economy.”
The European Tour’s Antonia Beggs, Championship Director for the Irish Open, believes the Irish Open in Northern Ireland is the next best thing to a Major Championship for players and fans alike.
She said: “Northern Ireland is home to some of the world’s best golf courses and the success of its golfers, led by Rory McIlroy, has led to an unprecedented level of interest in the region as a golf tourism destination. I cannot tell you how excited we are to be returning in 2015 to one of the best courses on the planet and with the likes of Rory and Rickie Fowler already confirmed, we are confident that next year’s line-up will be one to remember.”
McIlroy added: “I am delighted that the Irish Open is being hosted at Royal County Down in 2015. It is hugely exciting to be joining some of the world’s greatest golf talents on my home turf. Northern Ireland has established itself as one of the world’s greatest golfing destinations and Royal County Down is one of the world’s finest links courses.”
The surrounding area around Royal County Down is one of Northern Ireland’s most scenic with beautiful forest parks such as Tollymore and Castlewellan, castles, picturesque fishing ports and the Victorian town of Rostrevor. Newcastle is a scenic seaside resort which lies on the Irish Sea at the base of the Slieve Donard and the majestic Mourne Mountains.
More than 80,000 visitors are expected at Royal County Down with an audience of millions watching the action on TV across the world, once again putting Northern Ireland on a global stage.
For more information on the Irish Open 2015 including accommodation offers, golf in Northern Ireland and ticket information, visit /irish-open-2015www.discovernorthernireland.com/www.irishopen.ieor #2015irishopen
