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)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 April 2012
Giant's Causeway Centre 'On Track'
Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has visited the construction site of the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre and said that the project is on track to open this summer. The new Centre, located at the Giant’s Causeway World Heritage Site is an integral part of the Causeway Coast and Glens Signature Project.
Giant's Causeway Centre 'On Track'
Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has visited the construction site of the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre and said that the project is on track to open this summer. The new Centre, located at the Giant’s Causeway World Heritage Site is an integral part of the Causeway Coast and Glens Signature Project.
28 July 2008
International Blind Golf Championships Set For Belfast
A surprising sport is coming to Northern Ireland - blind golfing. Belfast's Belvoir Park Golf Club will host the World Blind Golf Championships from 10 - 12 August. With one of the 'driving forces' behind the Championships being Comber's Jan Dinsdale - one of the top lady blind golfers in the world - the initiative is all the more appropriate.
International Blind Golf Championships Set For Belfast
A surprising sport is coming to Northern Ireland - blind golfing. Belfast's Belvoir Park Golf Club will host the World Blind Golf Championships from 10 - 12 August. With one of the 'driving forces' behind the Championships being Comber's Jan Dinsdale - one of the top lady blind golfers in the world - the initiative is all the more appropriate.
21 February 2012
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.
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.
27 June 2016
Queen and Duke Of Edinburgh To Visit NI
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are to arrive in Northern Ireland today, 27 June, for a two-day visit. They will meet with the First and deputy First Minister as well as the NI Secretary of State Theresa Villiers. On Tuesday, 28 June, the Royal couple will visit the Giant's Causeway and also travel to Bushmills in Co Antrim.
Queen and Duke Of Edinburgh To Visit NI
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are to arrive in Northern Ireland today, 27 June, for a two-day visit. They will meet with the First and deputy First Minister as well as the NI Secretary of State Theresa Villiers. On Tuesday, 28 June, the Royal couple will visit the Giant's Causeway and also travel to Bushmills in Co Antrim.
28 February 2013
Foster Welcomes Runkerry Golf Course Decision
Tourism Minister Arlene Foster has welcomed today's decision by the High Court to grant planning permission for a golf resort at Runkerry. Arlene Foster said: "Today's decision is great news for tourism in Northern Ireland and it is great news for the economy.
Foster Welcomes Runkerry Golf Course Decision
Tourism Minister Arlene Foster has welcomed today's decision by the High Court to grant planning permission for a golf resort at Runkerry. Arlene Foster said: "Today's decision is great news for tourism in Northern Ireland and it is great news for the economy.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.