NI Open Challenge launched at Galgorm

NI Open Challenge launched at Galgorm

Pictured at the launch of the NI Open Challenge at Galgorm Resort and Spa are (from left), tournament ambassador, Michael Hoey; Tourism Minister, Arlene Foster; European Tour commercial director, Mark Aspland; Galgorm Castle Estates owner, Christopher Brooke and the mayor of Ballymena, cllr. Audrey Wales.

 

The NI Open Challenge golf tournament returns to Galgorm Castle Golf Club near Ballymena this summer.

Following a record-breaking inaugural year in 2013, the tournament will take place at the club between August 28 and 31.

Launching the tournament during a special reception at the nearby Galgorm Resort and Spa recently, Tourism Minister, Arlene Foster, said that she felt the event was an indication that Northern Ireland’s reputation as a major golfing destination was still thriving.

“Together with the Irish Open in 2015 and 2017, this tournament will further cement our position as a ‘must play’ destination for golfers,” she told the gathering.

Golf tourism currently generates an estimated £22m for the local economy and last year’s European Challenge Tour – of which the NI Open is part – attracted more than 22,000 spectators.

Tournament ambassador, Michael Hoey, has confirmed that he will play in the event, which will, this year, include a food village in the grounds of the estate and a golf village behind the 18th hole.

Mrs. Foster added:

“Thanks to the backing of Michael Hoey and our homegrown golfing superstars, this event has already become one of the highlights on the European Chllenge Tour schedule. Galgorm Castle Golf Club has already proven it is more than equal to hosting a tournament of this stature and I know they will once again pull out all the stops to ensure it is a huge success.”