Newcastle’s ready for Rory

Newcastle’s ready for Rory

18 March 2015

THE wraps have been finally taken off this year’s Irish Open which comes to Newcastle at the end of May.

The showpiece event of the Irish golfing calendar, which takes place at world famous Royal County Down from May 28-31, has a blue chip sponsor in the form of Dubai Duty Free and an increased prize fund.

Eighty thousand spectators are expected to pack the links over the four days and thousands more will flock to Newcastle, providing a massive boost to the local tourist industry.

The main attraction will be world number one Rory McIlroy, whose Rory Foundation is hosting the event.

Other stars in the field include fellow Northern Ireland Major winners Graeme McDowell and Darren Clarke, Sergio Garcia, Ernie Els and American sensation Ricky Fowler, with more big names expected to be announced in the next few weeks.

Approximately 250 journalists will be in Newcastle to cover the event and pictures will be beamed into 400 million homes around the world.

Planning began last year and over the next few weeks the final touches will be made to ensure that the 2015 Irish Open is the best ever.

During the championship, around 600 volunteers will be acting as marshals, scorers, spectator assistants and manning the leaderboards. In addition, around 1,000 temporary staff will be employed in catering, cleaning, security and other tasks.

Seven temporary grandstands will be constructed at key holes and there will be a massive tented village in place which will include catering outlets, retail units units and toilets

If McIlroy is the brightest star, then not far behind is the magnificent Royal County Down links, which hosted the Walker Cup in 2007 when McIlroy and Fowler were in the opposing teams.

Kenneth McCaw, captain of Royal County Down, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be hosting the Irish Open. It is fantastic for the golfing community and the town of Newcastle as a whole.”

Details of this year’s championship were unveiled in Newcastle on Friday. McIlroy wasn’t there in person, but he sent a video message in which he said he was proud and excited that the event was coming to Royal County Down, which he described as one of his favourite courses in the world.

“I am delighted that so many of the guys and my close friends have signed up and I am looking forward to seeing you,” he said.

George O’Grady, chief executive of the European Tour, said the 2 million Euro prize fund for last year’s event would be improved.

He said it was a “joyous occasion” for the European Tour and paid tribute to the support shown by Dubai Duty Free, local politicians, Royal County Down Golf Club and McIlroy.

“I can put into words what Rory put into this and to drive the Irish Open forward,” he remarked.

Colm McLoughlin, executive vice-chairman of Dubai Duty Free, said: “We are delighted to become the title sponsor of the Irish Open hosted by the Rory Foundation.

“The tournament has a tremendous history and is the flagship golf event in Ireland providing thrilling golfing action for spectators, golf fans and television viewers around the world.

“This year’s tournament features a fantastic line-up and we are very much looking forward to working with Rory McIlroy and his Foundation, the European Tour, Tourism Northern Ireland and the members and management of Royal County Down on this prestigious sporting event.”

Also coming on board is Irish veteran golfer Des Smyth, who will act as tournament ambassador.

Smyth, who finished third in the Irish Open on two occasions, said he declined an offer to play in the championship as a sponsor’s invite.

“I haven’t played here at Royal County Down for a long time, but it is a tremendous course and looks fantastic,” he remarked.

Advance tickets are currently available at £30 per day with season tickets available for £75. Young people under 16 will be admitted free as long as they are accompanied by an adult.

For more information on purchasing tickets, visit www.irishopen.ie. For information on accommodation offers and golf in Northern Ireland, visitwww.discovernorthernireland.com/irish-open-2015.