Northern Irish food manufacturer Tayto has been announced as the title sponsor for the 2016 Northern Ireland Open in Partnership with Ulster Bank at Galgorm Castle from July 28-31.
As one of the nation’s most recognisable brands, it has supported tournament golf at Galgorm for a number of years but will this year take on a lead role in the same year the company celebrates its 60th anniversary.
Now in its fourth year, the Tayto Northern Ireland Open in Partnership with Ulster Bank has become one of the European Challenge Tour’s stand-out events with an all-time attendance record set last year at 39,423 spectators.
Those visitors witnessed Frenchman Clément Sordet crowned champion, and it is hoped that the attendance record will be beaten at this year’s edition of the tournament.
Paul Allen, chief executive of Tayto, said: “We are delighted to become the title sponsor of this prestigious event, which showcases the very best of the sport and the country to the world.
“After being involved on a smaller scale for a number of years, we felt that in our 60th anniversary year, it was the perfect time to extend our sponsorship.
“We appreciate the commitment involved from all parties in organising such an international spectacle and as a local business operating on a global scale, this feels like a natural fit for the Tayto brand as we too bring the very best of Northern Ireland to the rest of the world.
“We are looking forward to welcoming players and spectators alike to the Tayto Northern Ireland Open and firmly believe that the 2016 edition is going to be more successful than ever.”
Gary Henry, managing director at Galgorm Castle, welcomed the announcement and looks forward to Tayto becoming a key player in the tournament’s success story.
“Tayto is a brand that is recognised the world over and a company that is very proud of its Northern Ireland roots,” he said. “Our tournament strapline says ‘Performing on the World Stage’ and this is something Tayto has been doing successfully for so many years.
“We are delighted to have Tayto on board and look forward to working more closely with them and our other partners for what promises to be the biggest and best NI Open yet.
“As we welcome all our visitors to Galgorm at the end of July for another great tournament, we will also help celebrate Tayto’s 60th anniversary.”
