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16/06/2014
Open Returns To NI
The Open golf competition is to return to Northern Ireland in 2019, it has been confirmed.
The Royal Portrush Golf Club is to host the sport's oldest competiton for the first time since it was last hosted at the venue in 1951.
First Minister Peter Robinson said: "This is wonderful news, not only for Royal Portrush Golf Club, but for the whole of Northern Ireland, with an estimated combined tourism promotion and economic return of £70m.
"The decision to bring The Open back to Northern Ireland is a tremendous vote of confidence in the game here and follows the huge success of the Irish Open in 2012, the first in European Tour history to sell out."
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said: "I welcome the official confirmation today by the R&A that the Open will return to Royal Portrush. This announcement will create much anticipation and excitement as the thought of our local golfers challenging for the Claret Jug on home soil is set to become a reality.
"The success of our local golfers has played a significant role in putting us on the international golfing map as an established destination and hosting The Open will add to this. We have proven we have got what it takes when it comes to hosting major events. From the record breaking Irish Open in 2012 to this year’s Giro d’Italia Big Start, acknowledged by the organisers as the best yet, our track record speaks for itself."
Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster added: "Over 4,000 hours of television and radio coverage were broadcast from last year’s event at Muirfield. The Open’s arrival on the north coast will tell the world what we already know – that not only is Northern Ireland home to three Major winning golfers, it is home to some of the best courses on the planet. A lot of hard work has gone on behind the scenes to make today’s announcement possible and I want to thank everyone who has been involved."
(IT)
The Royal Portrush Golf Club is to host the sport's oldest competiton for the first time since it was last hosted at the venue in 1951.
First Minister Peter Robinson said: "This is wonderful news, not only for Royal Portrush Golf Club, but for the whole of Northern Ireland, with an estimated combined tourism promotion and economic return of £70m.
"The decision to bring The Open back to Northern Ireland is a tremendous vote of confidence in the game here and follows the huge success of the Irish Open in 2012, the first in European Tour history to sell out."
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said: "I welcome the official confirmation today by the R&A that the Open will return to Royal Portrush. This announcement will create much anticipation and excitement as the thought of our local golfers challenging for the Claret Jug on home soil is set to become a reality.
"The success of our local golfers has played a significant role in putting us on the international golfing map as an established destination and hosting The Open will add to this. We have proven we have got what it takes when it comes to hosting major events. From the record breaking Irish Open in 2012 to this year’s Giro d’Italia Big Start, acknowledged by the organisers as the best yet, our track record speaks for itself."
Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster added: "Over 4,000 hours of television and radio coverage were broadcast from last year’s event at Muirfield. The Open’s arrival on the north coast will tell the world what we already know – that not only is Northern Ireland home to three Major winning golfers, it is home to some of the best courses on the planet. A lot of hard work has gone on behind the scenes to make today’s announcement possible and I want to thank everyone who has been involved."
(IT)
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Golf Resort Given Green Light
The Tourism Minister today welcomed the decision to grant permission for a golf resort at Runkerry on the North Antrim coast. The new Bushmills Dunes Golf Resort and Spa, will be located close to neighbouring Royal Portrush golf club where the Irish Open will take place this summer.
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Golf Ireland Convention Returns To NI
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18 July 2011
Darren Clarke Swings Open Victory
NI golfer, Darren Clarke has won his first major title with a three-shot victory at Royal St George's and became just the second Northern Ireland player to win the Open - after Fred Daly in 1947. It follows the successive US Open wins of Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell over the last year and marks NI's third major championship accolade.
Darren Clarke Swings Open Victory
NI golfer, Darren Clarke has won his first major title with a three-shot victory at Royal St George's and became just the second Northern Ireland player to win the Open - after Fred Daly in 1947. It follows the successive US Open wins of Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell over the last year and marks NI's third major championship accolade.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
