ELTIPS AV R T
The nation’s players have won nine Majors since 2007, when Padraig Harrington opened the floodgates with the first of his two successive Open triumphs before also winning a PGA title.
Three stars from over the border in Northern Ireland – Graeme McDowell, Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke – followed him with a combination of victories in The Open, US Open and PGA.
But Ireland’s status in the game is not based solely on achievements by its top players. Courses on both sides of the border are now earning worldwide recognition for their quality – and quantity.
Visitors from Britain and abroadroad have long flocked to seaside venues nues such as Portmarnock in the east t and the south-west’s Ballybunion, Traleeralee and Waterville. In 2006 the inlandand K Club became the first Irishh host of the Ryder Cup.
In addition the accolade “world’s greatest golf course” is frequently awarded to Royal yal County Down in the north east.st.
But the focus is switching to the north coast where two more of Ireland’s great links, Portstewart wart and Royal Portrush, have beeneen selected to host the Irish Open n and The Open Championshipy.
There is also a possibility that
Defending champion McIlroy will be familiar with the Strand course on which the tournament will be fought. He himself described it as “one of Ireland’s hidden gems”.
But the many entrants for whom this is new ground – and who these days rarely compete on links courses anyway – are in for a big surprise. Ahead of them lies a roller coaster ride through some of the biggest dunes out there. The outward half is regarded as one of the most spectacular in the British Isles, starting at a par four hole often acclaimed as the best opener in Irish golf.
An even greater honour was bestowed on Royal Portrush, just four miles away, when the R&A announced it will host the 148th Open in 2019.
The Championship has only been staged outside of Scotland and England once before in its 157-year history – and that was at Portrush 66 years ago in 1951.
The 2019 Open is expected to be the biggest sports event ever held in Northern Ireland, with a benefit to the economy topping £70million.
Part of that will come from LEAVE time to visit the spectacular Antrim coast road, the Giant’s Causeway world heritage site, the ruins of Dunluce Castle, and the Bushmills whiskey distillery. DRIVE inland to Ballymoney in Co Antrim and find the Dark Hedges archway of beech trees. It was used for scenes in TV’s Game of Thrones. MAKE sure you eat well after a day’s golf – great restaurants include Harry’s Shack in Portstewart and Harbour Bar in Portrush. marketing the country’s appeal as a golf destination for players inspired to experience its remarkably large number of world-class courses.
Many will want to enjoy a tour over several days – and the North & West Coast Links organisation, which promotes Royal Portrush, Portstewart and Ballyliffin, will help them do just that.
As well as arranging schedules tailored to individuals’ desires, every year NWCL runs challenge tours involving up to a week of tournament golf across several courses, with prizes as part of the package.
Prices average about £1,500 for six r ounds, s even nights accommodation in hotels, and transport. And for golfers who have never before played the links in the NWCL collection, a truly memorable experience awaits.
The standard is high. While Portrush and Portstewart will be on most wish l i sts, players are guaranteed to be mightily impressed, in particular by the magnificence of Ballyliffin and the colossal dunescapes of Carne and Enniscrone.
The NWCL group’s chief John McLaughlin said: “The popularity of golf in the region is soaring and we truly believe this is just the beginning for the sport here.” FACTFILE: Find out more about the North & West Coast Links by phoning 00353 91 868642, emailing sales@ northandwestcoastlinks. com or visiting northandwestcoastlinks.