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23/06/2010
G-Mac Returns Victorious
The US Open champion, Graeme McDowell, will be arriving in his native Northern Ireland today to what is expected to be a hero's welcome.
After fulfilling a round of media engagements in the United States, including an appearance on the primetime and statewide Jay Leno show, the 30-year-old Ulsterman will be flying into Belfast and a media barrage before heading to his hometown of Portrush.
McDowell had intended to play in next week's French Open but his management are reconsidering after the win at Pebble Beach, which elevated him to 13th in the world rankings, and guaranteed his place on the Ryder Cup team for Celtic Manor in October.
McDowell's unprecedented win has even made waves in the Irish Daíl this morning, where Fine Gael Tourism Spokesperson Olivia Mitchell said the Irish Government must capitalise on the potential of Graeme's victory by marketing Ireland as a golf tourism venue to US visitors.
"Ireland has a right to describe itself as the cradle of European golf. We have world famous golfers such as Padraig Harrington, Darren Clarke, Graeme McDowell, Rory McIlroy and Paul McGinley and internationally renowned golf courses.
"However, the potential of marketing the country as a prime golf tourism venue is going untapped."
Ms Mitchell said that overall, the numbers visiting here are down hugely, with 3,500 fewer visitors to Ireland every day in 2010 and that the abundance of high quality golf courses is a major advantage that should be used.
"The untapped potential here is clear for all to see, the Government needs to redirect resources so that it can be capitalised upon," she added.
Graeme McDowell's next appearance is expected to be the JP McManus Invitational Pro-Am at Adare Manor on Monday and Tuesday then onto the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond before the British Open in St Andrew's.
McDowell will play at this year's Three Irish Open, when the tournament returns to Killarney Golf and Fishing Club from July 29th to August 1st.
(DW/BMcC)
After fulfilling a round of media engagements in the United States, including an appearance on the primetime and statewide Jay Leno show, the 30-year-old Ulsterman will be flying into Belfast and a media barrage before heading to his hometown of Portrush.
McDowell had intended to play in next week's French Open but his management are reconsidering after the win at Pebble Beach, which elevated him to 13th in the world rankings, and guaranteed his place on the Ryder Cup team for Celtic Manor in October.
McDowell's unprecedented win has even made waves in the Irish Daíl this morning, where Fine Gael Tourism Spokesperson Olivia Mitchell said the Irish Government must capitalise on the potential of Graeme's victory by marketing Ireland as a golf tourism venue to US visitors.
"Ireland has a right to describe itself as the cradle of European golf. We have world famous golfers such as Padraig Harrington, Darren Clarke, Graeme McDowell, Rory McIlroy and Paul McGinley and internationally renowned golf courses.
"However, the potential of marketing the country as a prime golf tourism venue is going untapped."
Ms Mitchell said that overall, the numbers visiting here are down hugely, with 3,500 fewer visitors to Ireland every day in 2010 and that the abundance of high quality golf courses is a major advantage that should be used.
"The untapped potential here is clear for all to see, the Government needs to redirect resources so that it can be capitalised upon," she added.
Graeme McDowell's next appearance is expected to be the JP McManus Invitational Pro-Am at Adare Manor on Monday and Tuesday then onto the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond before the British Open in St Andrew's.
McDowell will play at this year's Three Irish Open, when the tournament returns to Killarney Golf and Fishing Club from July 29th to August 1st.
(DW/BMcC)
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12 April 2012
Giant's Causeway Centre 'On Track'
Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has visited the construction site of the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre and said that the project is on track to open this summer. The new Centre, located at the Giant’s Causeway World Heritage Site is an integral part of the Causeway Coast and Glens Signature Project.
Giant's Causeway Centre 'On Track'
Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has visited the construction site of the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre and said that the project is on track to open this summer. The new Centre, located at the Giant’s Causeway World Heritage Site is an integral part of the Causeway Coast and Glens Signature Project.
18 July 2011
Darren Clarke Swings Open Victory
NI golfer, Darren Clarke has won his first major title with a three-shot victory at Royal St George's and became just the second Northern Ireland player to win the Open - after Fred Daly in 1947. It follows the successive US Open wins of Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell over the last year and marks NI's third major championship accolade.
Darren Clarke Swings Open Victory
NI golfer, Darren Clarke has won his first major title with a three-shot victory at Royal St George's and became just the second Northern Ireland player to win the Open - after Fred Daly in 1947. It follows the successive US Open wins of Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell over the last year and marks NI's third major championship accolade.
28 July 2008
International Blind Golf Championships Set For Belfast
A surprising sport is coming to Northern Ireland - blind golfing. Belfast's Belvoir Park Golf Club will host the World Blind Golf Championships from 10 - 12 August. With one of the 'driving forces' behind the Championships being Comber's Jan Dinsdale - one of the top lady blind golfers in the world - the initiative is all the more appropriate.
International Blind Golf Championships Set For Belfast
A surprising sport is coming to Northern Ireland - blind golfing. Belfast's Belvoir Park Golf Club will host the World Blind Golf Championships from 10 - 12 August. With one of the 'driving forces' behind the Championships being Comber's Jan Dinsdale - one of the top lady blind golfers in the world - the initiative is all the more appropriate.
16 June 2014
Open Returns To NI
The Open golf competition is to return to Northern Ireland in 2019, it has been confirmed. The Royal Portrush Golf Club is to host the sport's oldest competiton for the first time since it was last hosted at the venue in 1951.
Open Returns To NI
The Open golf competition is to return to Northern Ireland in 2019, it has been confirmed. The Royal Portrush Golf Club is to host the sport's oldest competiton for the first time since it was last hosted at the venue in 1951.
21 February 2012
Golf Resort Given Green Light
The Tourism Minister today welcomed the decision to grant permission for a golf resort at Runkerry on the North Antrim coast. The new Bushmills Dunes Golf Resort and Spa, will be located close to neighbouring Royal Portrush golf club where the Irish Open will take place this summer.
Golf Resort Given Green Light
The Tourism Minister today welcomed the decision to grant permission for a golf resort at Runkerry on the North Antrim coast. The new Bushmills Dunes Golf Resort and Spa, will be located close to neighbouring Royal Portrush golf club where the Irish Open will take place this summer.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
