It’s just three weeks until the Amgen Irish Open swings into action in Northern Ireland and the region’s tourism and hospitality industry are making final preparations to offer their famous giant welcome.
The competition, which will take place at Royal County Down Golf Club in Newcastle from 11th -15th September, is set to give spectators a memorable experience, offering them a chance to see some of the golfing world’s most popular stars in action, including homegrown favourites Rory McIlroy, Tom McKibben, Padraig Harrington, Shane Lowry and Seamus Power.
The Amgen Irish Open is returning to the prestigious Royal County Down Golf Club, rated by Golf Digest as the world’s number one course and set against the magnificent backdrop of the Mourne Mountains, for the first time in nine years.
When the event was last staged at the venue in 2015 spectators and participants contributed £4.4m to the local economy.
In addition, Northern Ireland’s hosting of the tournament resulted in almost 3,000 hours of television coverage across the globe to a potential audience of 430 million people.
The event saw more than 18,000 bed nights sold, with 30% of visitors travelling from outside of Northern Ireland.
The Amgen Irish Open holds a key position on the DP World Tour’s Global Schedule as part of the ‘Back Nine’, which encompasses nine of the Tour’s most historic tournaments and national open championships.
Tourism NI is working with its many partners and hospitality and tourism businesses to not only ensure the successful delivery of the event, but also to showcase the best the region has to offer.
The event will take place in Co Down just months after Northern Ireland was named Best Golf Destination in Western Europe by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators.
Accommodation providers, the hospitality and tourism industry and visitor experiences have been working tirelessly to prepare for the event and to showcase why Northern Ireland is a great value-for-money, unique and authentic destination.
With a portfolio of rich and diverse visitor experiences and award-winning accommodation on offer, visitors will be encouraged to extend their stays and plan return visits.
Recent figures show that the value of Golf Tourism in 2023 increased to £68.2m, the highest figure ever recorded for Golf Tourism in Northern Ireland, and the Amgen Irish Open will offer an opportunity to build on that.
Tourism NI has been working with businesses through engagement sessions and webinars to ensure they are ready to welcome golf fans from near and far.
Tourism NI has also been encouraging accommodation providers, visitor attractions and experiences to become bookable on the Discover Northern Ireland website ahead of the event.
In addition, an exciting programme of golf-plus activity has also been organised for Newcastle for the duration of the tournament.
While a vibrant line-up of local music acts will perform in the Championship Village, a number of fringe events, designed to engage both golf enthusiasts, visitors and residents, will take place in the town centre.
These include a pop-up food village, showcasing the finest local produce, live music and performances, and a host of family activities and tourism experiences, creating a lively atmosphere in the seaside town.
John McGrillen, Chief Executive of Tourism NI, said: “The Amgen Irish Open is shaping up to be a fantastic highlight of Northern Ireland’s 2024 golfing calendar.
“Tournaments such as this strengthen the region’s reputation for delivering high-profile international sporting events.
“They also allow us to showcase to the world the breadth and quality of the golfing experience visitors can have when they too come to play in Northern Ireland.”
Mr McGrillen added: “Tourism NI has been engaging with the tourism and hospitality industry ahead of the event to ensure we profile the very best Northern Ireland has to offer.
“This is sure to be an unmissable event and with just three weeks to go, the excitement within the local community across South Down is building.”
Paul Gillmon, Championship Director of the Amgen Irish Open, said: “The excitement is really building ahead of the Amgen Irish Open’s return to Royal County Down and we’re all looking forward to what promises to be another special week on one of the world’s most renowned golf courses.
“We have seen a huge amount of support from Tourism NI and the local community in the lead up to the event. Local businesses and stakeholders have really bought into the tournament and the opportunities associated with hosting a world-class event such as the Amgen Irish Open.”
Kevin Lowry, Chairman of the Championship Committee at Royal County Down, said: “We are thrilled to welcome the Irish Open back to Royal County Down Golf Club.
“The golf course is in magnificent condition and will provide an excellent challenge for some of the world’s best golfers.
“We look forward to welcoming players, fans and guests from all over the world.
Councillor Pete Byrne, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, said: “As we approach the final three weeks leading up to the Amgen Irish Open in Newcastle, the excitement is building.
“This prestigious event not only showcases the world-class golf in our destination but also highlights the stunning beauty and hospitality of our region,” he said.
“We are proud to support such a significant tournament and look forward to welcoming players, spectators and visitors.”
