Irish Open to bring economic boost

The tournament is being taken north from Killarney, Co Kerry, in the Irish Republic in the wake of the achievements of Northern Ireland's three golfing superstars in the last two years.

Darren Clarke's victory in the Open Championship last summer followed the US Open victories of Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy.

The event will be staged at the Co Antrim course from 28 June to 1 July, and this will be the first time it has returned to the Royal Portrush since 1947.

It is hoped the Irish Open could bring in up to £80m to the region, as it has been estimated that Golf tourists spend an average of £400 a day.

The Executive is committed to ensuring that this tournament is a first class success that will showcase Northern Ireland’s potential as a premier tourist destination.

First Minister Peter Robinson

Mr Robinson said the decision to hold the event in Northern Ireland is "a major vote of confidence in the game here".

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said: "I have no doubt that the golfers and visitors alike will have a weekend to remember when they visit in the summer.

Royal Portrush is widely recognised as one of the top golf courses in Europe and a number of professional events have been staged there in the past.

Tourism Minister Arlene Foster said the decision to move golf's Irish Open to NI this year could become a regular arrangement.

"This is our year to change global perceptions and reposition Northern Ireland as a place to live, work, invest, study and visit.

I hope this will be the start of joint working between the European Tour and Fáilte Ireland which will see the Irish Open return to Northern Ireland every three or four years.

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster

"The long-term economic benefits will extend well beyond tourism," she added.

Previously, a lack of accommodation was cited as a reason not to hold the Irish Open in Portrush, and golfing fans are already rushing to sort out where they will stay during the tournament.

Tanya Gault, of North Coast Property Management, said: "It's unbelievable. The phones haven't stopped ringing. We've had golfers and golf fans looking to rent and properties are being snapped up fast."

And already the Irish Open is generating business for the area.

Nino Morelli's café and ice-cream parlour is on Portstewart's Promenade. He is also a life member at Royal Portrush.

Nino said: "It's tremendously exciting.We're looking forward to huge crowds, a real boost to all businesses here."

"I'm hoping for a local winner, maybe G-Mac or big Darren - with an Italian as runner-up," laughed Nino.