Robinson and McGuinness welcome decision to stage Irish Open at Portrush

First Minister the Rt. Hon. Peter D. Robinson MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP, MLA have expressed their delight at the announcement today by the European Golf Tour that Royal Portrush Golf Club will stage the Irish Open this year.
~ Friday, 6 January 2012

In welcoming the announcement the First Minister said: “These are exciting times for golf in Northern Ireland and the decision to host the 2012 Irish Open at Royal Portrush is a major vote of confidence in the game here. Not only have we some of the world’s greatest golfers, but some of the world’s greatest golf courses and Royal Portrush undoubtedly fits that billing.

“It is fitting that this prestigious event is being staged at Royal Portrush when one of its members is the current Open Golf Champion. The hosting of this important tournament will give a great boost to the Northern Ireland economy and the tourism sector and I wish the organisers every success in staging it. 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.”

The deputy First Minister said: “This is a great day for golf on this island. I thank everyone who played a part in securing the Irish Open for this scenic County Antrim course and I have no doubt that the golfers and visitors alike will have a weekend to remember when they visit in the summer.

“As an Executive we committed to hosting a significant international golf tournament during the current Assembly mandate and it is an added bonus to have been able to secure this so soon. It is almost 60 years since the Irish Open was played in the north and I hope that the tournament will be a resounding success and a forerunner for even bigger golf events here in the coming years.”

The Irish Open will be staged at the County Antrim course from 28 June – 1 July inclusive. It last hosted the tournament in 1947. The last time the tournament was held in Northern Ireland was in 1953, when Belvoir Park Golf Club staged the event.

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