Stars shining for the Irish Open
Portstewart making final preparations for sporting spectacle
Last updated 3rd Jul 2017
With just three days to go, the stars are arriving in Portstewart for the Irish Open – one of the biggest dates on NI’s sporting calendar. Our reporter AARON O’NEILL spent the day in the seaside town soaking up the atmosphere and seeing at first hand what golf fans can look forward to on Thursday.
It promises to be some spectacle …
For some time now the north coast has been buzzing in anticipation of what will be the biggest competition in Irish Open history.
No fewer than 100,000 spectators are expected to go through the doors from Thursday until Sunday when the tournament will draw to a close.
Then there’s the huge boost to tourism and the local economy.
Porstewart businessman Derek Toms said: “Portstewart is a very tourist orientated town. Anything that comes to Portstewart to promote the town is a benefit to everyone. The coverage on television and the volume of tourists and revenue in the area will benefit businesses for years to come.”
The event is hosted by the Rory McIlroy foundation and is attracting some of the best golfers in the world.
These include Rory himself, Olympic Gold medallist Justin Rose; Lee Westwood; French Open winner, Tommy Fleetwood; Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston; Ian Poulter; World Number Two Hideki Matsuyama and Jon Rahm, the young Spaniard currently the talk of the golfing world.
Aine Kearney, Director of Business Support and Events for Tourism Northern Ireland said. “The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open will bring thousands of domestic, national and international visitors to Portstewart and the wider Causeway Coastal Route and Tourism NI has been working with Tournament partners to ensure the visitor experience is as safe and enjoyable as possible.”
As fans flock to the North Coast, transport and parking are concerning issues for people wanting to attend the event.
Sam Todd, Translink Delivery Service Manager said, “The 2017 Irish Open will be a world-class event, putting Northern Ireland centre-stage as a top visitor destination. We want to ensure everyone enjoys hassle-free journeys to Portstewart, reducing traffic congestion in the area and helping more people to sample the delights of the Causeway Coast.”
Organisers have teamed up with Translink to implement a number of travel alternatives for the avid Golf fans.
Mr Todd added: “There will be enhanced train capacity, special coaches from across NI and free Park & Ride shuttle services. A free shuttle bus service will connect with rail services arriving and departing from Coleraine Train Station. The event coincides with the introduction of an hourly train service on the Londonderry Railway Line providing customers with more journey choice. There will also be a late night train from Coleraine to Belfast on the Saturday as well as early morning trains both Saturday and Sunday.”
Full details are available online now at www.translink.co.uk/irishopen2017/.
The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Joan Baird OBE, has praised the partnership. “We want people travelling to this beautiful part of our Borough to enjoy every aspect of their visit. I would strongly encourage everyone to plan their journey well in advance and make use of the ‘Park & Ride’ and public transport options. A lot of hard work has gone into devising a traffic and travel plan which is both efficient and effective.”
Meanwhile, the furniture around the course is in place, with merchandise shops, grandstands and media villages being constructed all around course.
The playing surface is in superb condition and everyone involved has been working hard to ensure that the event will run smoothly come July.
The week gets off to a start with the Pro AM event on Wednesday featuring the likes of Man City manager Pep Guardiola and pop star Shane Filan