Irish Open looks like sell-out

Irish Open looks like sell-out

6 May 2015

THIS year’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open hosted by the Rory Foundation is still on course to be a sell-out.

The European Tour has revealed that 70 per cent of tickets have already been sold for the eagerly anticipated event which takes place at Royal County Down on May 28-31.

In 2012, the Irish Open at Royal Portrush became the first European Tour event to sell out in advance and once again, The Tour is urging golf fans to book their tickets early to avoid potential disappointment at the gate.

More than 80,000 spectators are expected in total at the event which, with the Rory Foundation on board as the official tournament host, is expected to be one of the best Irish Opens in the history of this great competition.

Using his considerable influence and pulling power, world number one Rory McIlroy has already recruited many of the world’s leading players.

The field includes Rickie Fowler, Patrick Reed, Sergio Garcia, Martin Kaymer, Luke Donald, Ernie Els, Graeme McDowell, Lee Westwood, Padraig Harrington, Paul Lawrie, José Maria Olazábal and of course Northern Ireland’s very own Ryder Cup Captain for 2016, Darren Clarke.  Even more big names are expected to follow before the entry deadline.

 “This year’s Irish Open is the talk of the golfing world,” said Antonia Beggs, The European Tour’s Championship Director for the Irish Open. 

“We were at Augusta for The Masters and there was a real buzz amongst players and officials alike about the Irish Open with everyone was telling us what a great event we have this year.

 “Of course there is one man in particular that we have to thank for all of this and that is the world number one, Rory McIlroy, whose support and personal drive to make this tournament the best that it can be has really been beyond amazing.

McIlroy said: “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.”

As well as the excitement on the course, there is a lot on offer for spectators at Royal County Down where the championship village will include a number of bars and dining outlets catering for all tastes, interactive activities and a big screen showing the live action along with a live hole by hole leaderboard.

 There will be a number of grandstands and leaderboards throughout the course on key holes with fantastic views over the links.  A small number of reserved grandstand seats are available on the 17thand 18th green side stands.

However, the majority of grandstand seats will be free for any spectators.  Sunday’s reserved grandstand seats have already sold out.

And unlike Royal Portrush, ticket holders will be able to leave the course and re-enter at will if they want to discover what Newcastle and its surrounding areas have to offer.

Families will be delighted to hear that under-16s will be admitted free as long as they are accompanied by an adult (up to four children are allowed with one paying adult).