All roads will lead to Portrush
Editorial Department • Published 12 Jan 2012 13:00
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It's great news for local golfers with the announcement that Royal Portrush Golf Club is to host this year's Irish Open at the end of June.
With Northern Ireland's leading tour professionals dominating many of golf's majors over the last few years, it is only fitting that such successes are rightfully rewarded. They have put Northern Ireland firmly in the spotlight and it's just reward for all those efforts that the country will host this year's Irish Open. Naturally, all three of Northern Ireland's Major champions - Clarke, McDowell and current US Open champion and world number three Rory McIlroy - have confirmed their participation, while three-time Major champion Pádraig Harrington has also added his vote of approval.
With an increased prize fund - up €500,000 to a minimum €2 million - for the tournament on June 28-July 1, the expectation is that a quality field will be assembled, especially given its slot in the calendar just three weeks before the British Open at Royal Lytham and St Annes.
It is believed the Northern Ireland executive is contributing over €2.5 million in funding in bringing the Irish Open to the North for the first time since it was staged at Belvoir Park in Belfast in 1953, the commitment from the Stormont assembly enabling Portrush to make a late charge past Carton House to stage the event this year, a move that they should be applauded for. For many years one feels that the European Tour have missed a great opportunity in maximising tournaments in the lead up to the British Open. It would make logical sense to host The Irish, Welsh and Scottish Open in the three week period leading up to the Open Championship on a rotation system with each country getting the opportunity every three years to hold their tournament on the eve of the Open. This would give each country a great opportunity to market their event and secure sponsorship on a three year basis. As many of the World top golfers normally seek a venue to practise their links skills in the week leading up to the Open, what an opportunity it this would create.
Anyhow back to the event in question and no doubt plenty of local golfers will make the journey up to the north coast and rightly so, not only will you get a chance to see the best of home grown talent but I am sure with their contacts that they can persuade many of the game's leading players to give the Irish Open a timely boost.
For those golfers who aspire to be at the Irish Open in June, special tuition offers for January are now available: six lessons for the price of five.
For more offers log on www.mccoolgolfacademy.com or call to Enniskillen Golf Club-Pro Shop -028 66325250
This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 12 Jan 12
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