Irish Open 'sold NI to the world'

Published Monday, 02 July 2012
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The success of the Irish Open at Royal Portrush has helped sell Northern Ireland to the world, Tourism Minister Arlene Foster said.

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More than 130,000 spectators travelled to the North Coast for the competition which culminated on Sunday with Welshman Jamie Donaldson crowned champion.

It was the first Irish Open to be held in NI since 1953 and has been hailed as a major success, after it became the first regular event in European Tour history to completely sell out.

Ms Foster, who presented the trophy to the winner, said positive images beamed across the globe have been a great advertisement for the region.

"Portrush has certainly lived up to its billing as being golf's Major golf capital of the world," said the DUP minister.

"Over the last six days, including the practice day and Pro-Am over 130,000 people have been through the gates of Royal Portrush golf club. That is an incredible figure and is proof of the excitement that has surrounded the tournament.

"For Northern Ireland, we stand to reap significant benefits to the local economy from the huge crowds that are attending and enjoying the north coast.

"Add in the global TV coverage showing Northern Ireland as a world class golf destination and a place that should be on every tourist's must-see list and there is no doubt the Executive will receive a great return on its investment."

The PSNI played a "low key but significant" role at the tournament, making two arrests in relation to alleged counterfeit tickets.

However officers have praised the behaviour of those attending.

"Northern Ireland has proven beyond any doubt that it can deliver a world class event," said Chief Superintendent Chris Noble

"The success of the Irish Open is very much down to the many month's of detailed preparation, involving a whole range of partners, and many long hours during the event week.

"This was another successful event for the North Coast area following on from the North West 200 and the Olympic Torch Run and concert.

"I want to pay tribute to my officers and staff who put in long and demanding hours to ensure this was the most successful core golf tournament the European Tour has ever hosted."

The victory for 36-year-old Donaldson was his first European Tour title at the 255th attempt, while 2007 winner Padraig Harrington was the best of the Irish players finishing six strokes off the lead at 12 under.

Open champion Darren Clarke shot 71 for four under on Sunday to finish 39th, while Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy had their best days of the week.

© UTV News
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5 Comments
Ricky in East Antrim wrote (350 days ago):
Its great that they can promote Ulster to the world through the Irish Open. Huh ! The NW200 has been round the North Coast for decades and done a great job at promoting our country. Its just a pity that it took the Pringle Brigade to get the local councils to smarten the place up a bit. Isn't it funny/peculiar how they can cater for the pringle sweaters, and totaly ignore the NW200 which brings 200,000 people year in year out, but they're just the motorcycle fratenity and don't matter. They risk life and limb to provide this event and cost millions to run a factory team and bring them here. But it appears batting a ball round a field and knovking it in a hole, is more important to the powers that be. Shameful !!
Martin in Belfast wrote (351 days ago):
Homer you make some good points. Much more MUST be done now to improve and help Portrush. The attraction of golf tournaments can help that, and the under investment of many years reversed.
Homer in Springfield wrote (351 days ago):
Spare a thought for the traders of Portrush. They were promised that this would boost the economy of the town by bringing hundreds of thousands of people to the town but no. People were bused in from Coleraine and beyond. Ok it prevented gridlock but then people were told that they wouldn't get back into the course if they left so they were forced to buy over priced food and drinks from caterers of which few, if any, were from the local area. The local B&B's and hotels suffered because the big-wigs stayed in Belfast and travelled up every day and the ordinary holiday makers for this time of the year assumed that every where would be booked up... not so, many would have been fuller if the golf HADDEN'T been on. Even the White House, which had a sale on, did less trade than this time last year. Coleraine Borough Council and Portrush Golf Club should be ashamed of themselves. So Portrush got a lick of apint and some old eyesores got pulled down.. well not before time and not to the benefit of any local business. And what now for Portrush, now that the ciurcus has left town, will there be any more investment? I for one will not be holding my breath but i will be watching with interest.
Tommy in Limavady wrote (351 days ago):
I have to say this was one of the best organised events I ever attended. Parked in the University of Ulster grounds at 12.30 on Sunday and by 12.55 I was on the golf course, no hassle getting in and plenty of facilities there. Same story leaving so well done to all involved, a good job well done!! On the course the atmosphere was unbelievable and we were treated to golf we usually only ever see on the box. Cant wait til the next one, bring it on!!!!
sean.d in belfast wrote (352 days ago):
well thank god for RTE ,i havnt got sky tv and to watch 1 hour on bbc or was it utv, 1 hour,, 10.30pm-11.30pm disgraceful..LETS HOPE NEXT TIME...utv can sell ulster to the people that live in it,i really would have loved seeing the roofs of portrush and NO!! its not that i would like to see more golf,,im really into chimneys
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