Sports Minister says 'well done' to Walker Cup winners

Sports Minister, Edwin Poots, MLA, has sent his congratulations to the US Walker Cup team winners of the 2007 competition, played this weekend at Royal County Down.

In his message the Minister said: "Both teams played superbly and entertained thousands of golf fans on both sides of the Atlantic. The final score was very close but in the end Buddy Marucci and his team had the edge. Congratulations on a great match well played!

"My special congratulations go to both Rory McIlroy and Jonathan Caldwell, Northern Ireland's brightest golfing stars who showed us just how talented they are. Rory now has his professional career before him and I wish him every success in the future.

"I believe in competition golf of this standard that everyone's a winner. The experience and enjoyment of playing at one of Northern Ireland's premier golf courses will remain with the competitors for a long time. The competition will keep Club members and spectators in conversation for some time to come as they recollect the action and excitement around the course over the past two days."

The Minister said that international television coverage had widened the appeal of Northern Ireland as a place to play golf or as a holiday destination.

"International TV coverage has shown how breathtakingly beautiful Northern Ireland is. Viewers cannot fail to have been impressed with the quality of the landscape on their screens. Hopefully this will tempt new visitors to our shores to enjoy golf and many other leisure activities on offer," he said.

"My congratulations go to the officials at Royal County Down for organising a top rate event and to the green-keepers for the superb condition of the course."

Notes to Editors:

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