We're back at Galgorm Castle for the third year in a row at the Northern Ireland Open in Association with Sphere Global and Ulster Bank, and here are just six reasons why we're so excited for the week ahead:
1. The fans
Despite only being in its third year, the Northern Ireland Open has firmly established its reputation as the best-attended event on the European Challenge Tour.
After 8,000 turned up in 2013 to see Daan Huizing claim victory in the inaugural tournament, more than 34,000 showed their support last year as Sweden’s Joakim Lagergren won by one shot.
This year bumper crowds are expected at Galgorm Castle again, encouraged by the many other attractions on offer at the Northern Ireland Open, such as…
2. The pro-am
As is traditional, the eve of the tournament will see a pro-am, with Challenge Tour professionals playing their Wednesday practice round with some lucky amateurs.
In the past this has seen Irish sporting royalty pop down, with former Ulster rugby union player Steven Ferris taking part last year following his untimely retirement through injury.
Also featuring in the past have been Northern Irish football legends Keith Gillespie, Pat Jennings and David Healy (pictured above last year), the national side’s all-time top goalscorer. Which famous faces will be playing this week?
3. The food festival
Following its popularity at last year’s tournament, the food festival is back again this week, showcasing the finest produce from Northern Ireland.
Throughout the tournament, the hungry masses will be able to enjoy exhibitors, demonstrations and live music, as well as sampling some of the many local produces on offer.
4. The infrastructure
From the grandstands to the hospitality to the tented village, Galgorm Castle’s staff really know how to put on an event.
The organisation and attention to detail is reflective of the size of the event, bigger than many other Challenge Tour tournaments.
Whether you’re a golf nut, a food fan or being wined and dined on your boss's credit card, you’re sure to be impressed by the infrastructure at the Northern Ireland Open.
5. The course
Galgorm Castle is a stunning parkland course that is sure to test even the most in-form players over the course of a tournament week.
Of particular note is the water, with hazards dotted around including an oxbow lake and two rivers, the Maine and the Braid, that border the course.
And with the historic Galgorm Castle itself, dating from the early 17thcentury, overlooking the course – named “Ireland’s Parkland Course of the Year” in 2014 – there is a stunning backdrop to proceedings as well.
6. The drama
The tournament may have only run for two years but both times saw nail-biting finales as Huizing and Lagergren took their respective victories.
Dutchman Huizing had a six shot lead going into the final round but ultimately needed to go to a play-off to edge out England’s Oliver Wilson with a birdie.
And Lagergren also saw a six shot lead disappear before managing to get up and down from the greenside rough on the 18thand make a birdie to win by one shot.
