The 2014 Irish Open was launched in style as Cork City Council and Cork County Council hosted a welcome reception at the historic Fota House, neighbouring this year’s host venue, Fota Island Resort.
Guests and sponsors joined the Mayor from Cork County Council, Councillor Alan Coleman and Deputy Lord Mayor from Cork City Council, Councillor Ken O’Flynn, in welcoming the European Tour players to Cork, with the event returning to Fota Island Resort for the first time since 2002.
Much has changed since The European Tour was last in this corner of East Cork, with the new hotel and lodges in addition to changes to the course and Fota Island Resort Chief Executive, Jonathan Woods spoke on behalf of the resort as they look ahead to the week ahead.
The Irish Open, first played in 1927, begins on Thursday and Head of Golf Tourism for Failte Ireland, Tony Lenehan greeted guests for the annual festival of world-class golf with Championship Director, Antonia Beggs of The European Tour, thanking all the sponsors for their continued support in the Irish Open.
Denmark’s Søren Hansen, the champion from that tournament 12 years ago, recalled his during an entertaining Q&A session. The former Ryder Cup player was among the many players to attend the reception, along with the likes of former Open Champion Darren Clarke, Ryder Cup Captain Paul McGinley and his predecessor José María Olazábal, Michael Hoey, and former champions Ross Fisher and Richard Finch.
