Golfing superstars head for Newcastle

Golfing superstars head for Newcastle

18 February 2015

TWO more of the world’s leading golfers have confirmed that they are coming to Newcastle for the Irish Open.

Four-time Major champion Ernie Els and Ryder Cup hero Sergio Garcia yesterday pencilled themselves in for the prestigious event at Royal County Down Golf Club from May 28-31.

They add to an already stellar line-up which includes world number one Rory McIlroy and fellow Major winners Graeme McDowell and Darren Clarke, as well as Englishman Lee Westwood and US star Rickie Fowler.

Defending champion Mikko Ilonen, from Finland, is also in the field, as are all of the big names on the European Tour.

Els will be returning to Newcastle after an absence of 16 years. “I was at Royal County Down with my dad and a friend in 1998 and remember the course well,” he said. “It has such great history and is probably in my top five links courses in the world.

“I am excited to play and I think the decision to host such a prestigious national open on such a great course in the correct one. Hopefully the weather will behave and we will have a great championship. I can’t wait.”

World number seven Garcia secured his first European Tour victory as a 19 year-old in 1999 when he won the Irish Open at Druid’s Glen.

“I cannot wait to return to a tournament which has such great memories for me,” he said.

“Not only am I returning to a very special event, but to a venue of which I have heard some incredible things.

“Royal County Down is a world-famous links and going by what Rory has been telling me, it could possibly be the best course I play this year.”

McIlroy, who is hosting the event for the first time through his charity, The Rory Foundation, is helping to recruit some of the leading players from the both the European and US PGA Tours.

More than 90,000 spectators are expected to descend on Newcastle for the four-day golfing odyssey.