Irish Open 2015 by Belfast Telegraph

4 | Dubai Duty Free Irish Open 2015

Belfast Telegraph | 22 May 2015

CONTENTS

6 Planet Golf 10 Slieve Donard 12 Star Power 14 Rory’s Just Champion! 16 Dubai Duty Free 19 A Guide to the Course 20 The Magic Returns 21 Did You Know… 22 The New Kids 24 The Smarter Player 26 Royal County Down 28 Perfect Ambassador 30 Galgorm Hosts NI Open + Get in the Swing PUBLISHED BY Belfast Telegraph 124-144 Royal Avenue, Belfast, Co. Antrim BT1 1EB ADVERTISING Jackie Reid – Senior Advertising Manager Tel: 028 90554685 j.reid@belfasttelegraph.co.uk EDITOR Jim Gracey jim.gracey@belfasttelegraph.co.uk CONTRIBUTORS Steven Beacom Peter Hutcheon DESIGN Robert Armstrong – INM Design Studio, Belfast PRINTING INM, Newry

Rory McIlroy. ©INPHO/Getty Images

Rickie Fowler. ©INPHO/Getty Images

Graeme McDowell. ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan

Showcase totheWorld

ory McIlroy has stepped up to the plate for Northern Ireland and now our wee country is set to do him proud in return with our support for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, hosted by his Rory Foundation. The May 28-31 event promises to be sensational, a showcase to the world of all that is good about Northern Ireland in general and our golfing pedigree in particular. Royal County Down, at Newcastle, already renowned throughout the world for its spectacular setting and exacting challenges will provide a fitting stage for the most awe-inspiring line-up of golfing greatness assembled here in the modern era. Many willing hands will have played a part in bringing them to the first tee next Thursday, where the mountains of Mourne sweep majestically down to the sea. But the single-most driving force in shaping an event dazzlingly capturing the

public imagination has been Rory McIlroy who has done much more than lend his name. Our World No1 did not stop at simply endorsing the famous old tournament through his Foundation which raises funds for children’s charities around the world including, just a few miles from Royal Co Down, the NI Cancer Fund for Children’s short break centre at Daisy Lodge on the edge of Tollymore Forest Park. He then set about using his connections to recruit a world class field of stellar names, including Ricky Fowler, Miguel Angel Jiminez, Ernie Els, Sergio Garcia and Luke Donald. Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell, of course, join him in a trinity of Northern Ireland major winners. His efforts were also instrumental in attracting the headline sponsor, Dubai Duty Free, on board. The subsequent clamour to be associated with a surefire success story in the making has been translated into tangible

partnership support from local business and a tidal wave of ticket sales. Rory has done his bit once again demonstrating his commitment to his homeland and to the event. Children’s charities, not least Daisy Lodge, will benefit. Here is a lad who consistently does his sport, his country, his family and, above all, himself, proud. Now it is our turn to show our appreciation and we can demonstrate that in the form of packed galleries, providing a warm Northern Ireland welcome and vociferous support for our host and his distinguished guests, all around historic Royal Co Down. And we can do so, safe in the knowledge, that whoever emerges victorious on the 18th green next Sunday, Northern Ireland, its golf and people, will be the biggest winners.

Jim Gracey Group Sports Editor

SCHEDULEFORTHEWEEK Official Practice Day – Tuesday 26th May Open to spectators. Tickets £10 Celebrity Pro-Am – Wednesday 27th May 07.30am & 12.30pm Round 1 – Thursday 28th May First round of Championship Gates open 06:45 - 20:30 (site closes) Round 2 – Friday 29th May Second round of Championship Gates open 06:45 - 20:30 (site closes) Top 65 and ties make the cut and will play on the weekend Tee-times for Round 3 will be produced after the close of play

Round 3 – Saturday 30th May 65+ players Gates open 07:00am Tee-times from 07:30am (approx.) Tee-times for the Final Round will be produced after the close of play Final Round – Sunday 31st May 65+ players Gates open at 07:00am Tee-times from 07:30am (approx.) Play-off to take place on 18th Hole Prize Giving Presentation to take place immediately after final putt on the 18th Green ALL TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Darren Clarke. ©INPHO/Getty Images

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Belfast Telegraph | 22 May 2015 Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy. ©INPHO/ Cathal Noonan

PlanetGolf

STEVENBEACOMSETSTHESCENEFORWHATPROMISESTOBEASPECIAL TOURNAMENTATTHEROYALCOUNTYDOWNCOURSE

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22 May 2015 | Belfast Telegraph

Martin Kaymer. ©INPHO/Getty Images

Rickie Fowler. Photo by Tyler Lecka/Getty Images

Rory McIlroy. ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan

he county Down town of Newcastle will never have seen anything like it. Come the final week of May, the place is going to be dripping with some of the biggest sporting names on the planet. And that’s just for the pro-am! The 2015 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, hosted by Rory McIlroy’s Foundation, promises to be both spectacular and special. The stunning Royal County Down course and the world class talent teeing it up should make sure of that. Three years ago when the tournament was played at Royal Portrush Golf Club, record breaking crowds flocked to the north coast to watch the European Tour event. It proved to be a monumental success with the Northern Ireland public coming out in their thousands to support, much to the appreciation of the golfers who were blown away by the welcome and levels of enthusiasm. This time around the sell out signs will be up too. And the field is a whole lot stronger than it was back then. Put that down to the pulling power of Rory McIlroy. At Royal Portrush you may recall there

was much focus on his then girlfriend, tennis player Caroline Wozniacki, following him around the course. This time all eyes will be on the fabulous array of stars he has brought with him to play the famous links course. There’s charismatic young American Rickie Fowler, who won the Players Championship earlier this year, the great Ernie Els, crowd favourite Sergio Garcia, two time major winner and miracle of Medinah hero Martin Kaymer, former world number one Luke Donald and his English compatriot Lee Westwood, who has over 40 tournament victories in his career. And that’s just for starters. The brilliant Padraig Harrington will be in Newcastle...let’s not forget it was the Dubliner who gave hope to other Irish golfers that they could be major champions by winning two Opens and a US PGA Championship in the space of 13 months between 2007 and 2008. After that the boys from Northern Ireland took over to make our wee country ‘the capital of the golfing world’ with Graeme McDowell, Darren Clarke and McIlroy claiming SIX majors between them from 2010 onwards. Continued over

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Belfast Telegraph | 22 May 2015

Lee Westwood. Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images

Graeme McDowell. ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan

Luke Donald. ©INPHO/Getty Images

Shane Lowry. ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan As a nation only America has won more in that time. McDowell and Europe’s Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke will of course be playing in this year’s Irish Open and along with fellow Irishman Shane Lowry will attract massive galleries. Everywhere you look there will be a superstar, none bigger than Holywood hero McIlroy himself whose influence has not just extended to enticing golf’s top names to descend on the province. It has also been a telling factor in the mighty sporting names agreeing to take part in the pro-am, the day before the main event begins. The greatest jump jockey of them all, Tony McCoy, fresh from retirement will be playing, as will the best spin bowler ever, Shane Warne. Northern Ireland’s most capped footballer Pat Jennings, Dennis

Taylor, the world snooker champion of 30 years ago and ex-Ulster and Ireland rugby hero Stephen Ferris and many, many more will also be getting the clubs out. McIlroy has left no stone unturned in his bid to make the 2015 Irish Open an experience to remember for all involved. He is relishing it as much as anyone else. Rory says: “People have asked me why I am so excited about the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open coming to Royal County Down. The answer is obvious, really. We have a great golf course that features regularly in world top ten rankings and a fantastic tournament with a world-class heritage. “There is another reason for my excitement: it’s home. As I was growing up, I used to absolutely love it when Northern Ireland sportsmen and sportswomen were successful in any field. “It gives us all a sense of pride in where

Padraig Harrington. ©INPHO/Getty Images we’re from, a feeling that we are up there mixing it with the best. “So, to be able to invite the world of golf to visit my home county and know that they will be blown away by the quality of the course, the stunning scenery and the hospitality of the people…that’s something very special indeed.” McIlroy’s point about the course is a good one. The Royal County Down will be a star itself from May 28-31 as it stages Ireland’s national golf championship for the first time in 76 years. Already golf lovers from all over the

globe land in Newcastle to play the 18 holes, bewitched by the natural landscape and the challenge that they present. With millions watching the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open on television around the world, Royal County Down can expect to see many more arriving in the future to have a go. Having such a big name sponsor helps in all of this. Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman of Dubai Duty Free said: “We are delighted to become the title sponsor of the Irish Open hosted by The Rory Foundation. The tournament has a tremendous history

22 May 2015 | Belfast Telegraph Rory McIlroy celebrates a birdie putt. ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan

Darren Clarke. ©INPHO/Presseye/Russell Pritchard and is the flagship golf event in Ireland providing thrilling golfing action for spectators, golf fans and television viewers around the world. “This year’s tournament features a fantastic line up and we are very much looking forward to working with Rory McIlroy and his Foundation, The European Tour, Tourism Northern Ireland and the members and management of Royal County Down on this prestigious sporting event.” This isn’t just a golf tournament. This is another huge sporting event in Northern Ireland. They just keep on coming. Last year we enjoyed the Giro d’Italia, the second biggest cycling race on earth, being here for its first three thrilling days. And a few years down the line the Open

will be played at Royal Portrush. It seems like a whole new world from a dark, distant past when sports stars didn’t want to think about making a trip to Northern Ireland, let alone actually doing it. Golf is leading the way for us. Without the success of McIlroy, McDowell and Clarke, these big tournaments in our backyard may never have happened so they deserve immense credit for that. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if one of them could emerge triumphant in the 2015 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open? The only thing better than having this great tournament and all these great players here would be if one of our own was to be holding the trophy aloft on May 31. We wish them well on what promises to be an Irish Open to savour.

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Belfast Telegraph | 22 May 2015 OPEN FOR BUSINESS: The European Tour’s Antonia Beggs and Stephen Meldrum, General Manager of the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa, Newcastle celebrate the announcement that the hotel has been named as the Official Host Hotel for the 2015 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open hosted by The Rory Foundation. For more information call the hotel on 028 4372 1066 or visit www.hastingshotels.com.

he Slieve Donard Resort & Spa in Newcastle, County Down, has been named as the Official Host Hotel for the 2015 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open hosted by The Rory Foundation. The popular hotel, set against the stunning backdrop of the Mourne Mountains, will welcome world renowned golfers such as Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell, Darren Clarke, Ernie Els, Rickie Fowler, Padraig Harrington and Sergio Garcia all of whom will be competing in the eagerly anticipated event at neighbouring Royal County Down, widely regarded as one of the best golf courses in the world. “We are absolutely thrilled to be the host hotel for this year’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open as it really is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Stephen Meldrum, General Manager of the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa. “We have the world’s number one golfer in Rory McIlroy, one of the world’s best golf courses in Royal County Down, and now, we like to think, one of the world’s best hotels too!” he added. “We really are delighted to be associated with the event and excited that, come the end of May, the eyes of the world will be focussing on the beautiful sea side town of Newcastle. “As well as welcoming golfers, the hotel will also play host to dignitaries, officials and sponsors from around the world and we have no doubt that the atmosphere at

SlieveDonardnamedhosthotel forDubaiDutyFreeIrishOpen hostedbyTheRoryFoundation the hotel as well as around Newcastle will be absolutely electric. “For spectators, there will be nothing better after a nail biting day on the greens than to come to the Slieve Donard to relax, unwind and enjoy some delicious food as well as a warm welcome from the locals. Visitors can relax in the sumptuous surroundings and enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner at the Oak restaurant or Percy French Inn which is also open for breakfast throughout the tournament,” concluded Stephen. Tens of thousands of tickets have already been purchased by enthusiastic golf fans, as revealed by tournament organiser The European Tour, and many of them have chosen to stay at the spectacular Slieve

Donard Resort & Spa which boasts 181 luxurious bedrooms, many of which offer picture postcard views across gardens, coastline or the famous Mourne Mountains. The European Tour’s Antonia Beggs, Championship Director for the Irish Open, said: “We are thrilled to announce that the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa is the Official Host Hotel for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open 2015. The players will be delighted that after an exhilarating day out on the links they can come back to the luxurious surroundings of this beautiful hotel. “It’s clear to see why the hotel is so popular with locals and tourists alike with the stunning Mourne Mountains as a backdrop, delicious food and the wonderful

warm welcome from staff ,” she added. To celebrate the Slieve Donard’s newfound status as Official Host Hotel, the hotel has launched a special offer ‘The Golfers Dream’ which offers visitors a chance to enjoy accommodation in a classic room for two nights including full Irish Breakfast on both mornings as well as dinner in the Oak restaurant and use of the spa facilities. For more information call the hotel on 028 4372 1066 or visit www.hastingshotels. com. For anyone who would like to watch Rory McIlroy and a host of world class golfers’ in action, tickets for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open hosted by the Rory Foundation can be purchased at www.irishopen.ie. Tickets cost between £30 and £35 per day and kids under the age of 16 will be admitted FREE as long as they are accompanied by an adult (up to four children are allowed with one paying adult). Corporate hospitality packages are also available for the event at a cost of £300 + VAT per person. Already sold out on Friday May 29, these exclusive tickets include course admission with reserved grandstand seat on the 18th green, an official programme, reserved VIP parking (for one or two people), and generous hospitality in the Grand Ballroom in the neighbouring Slieve Donard Hotel – including breakfast followed by a Champagne Reception, a buffet lunch served with fine wines, afternoon tea and a complimentary bar.

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Belfast Telegraph | 22 May 2015

STARPOWER

Sergio Garcia. Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images

he last time Rickie Fowler was at Royal County Down, he was a very happy man. He and his fellow American players had just defeated Great Britain and Ireland to win the Walker Cup. That was back in 2007 and, like several of his teammates that day, he hasn’t really looked back. It was supposed to be the Rory McIlroy show and his last hurrah in the amateur game, but it didn’t quite work out that way. Looking now at the fortunes of the players on both sides since, it’s not hard to see why. Fowler, Billy Horschel, Webb Simpson and Dustin Johnson have all gone on to

By PETER HUTCHEON

establish themselves on the PGA Tour. Only McIlroy and to an extent Danny Willett have done the same from the home team. Until Jordan Spieth leapt into the limelight with his superb display in winning the Masters, Fowler was touted as the man most likely to challenge McIlroy’s position as world number one. He has a habit of cropping up prominently on the leaderboards at the majors and has chalked up six top ten finishes so far. His biggest win to date came just last month when producing outstanding golf to when the Players Championship. Surprisingly until then he has only one

Ernie Els. Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images

2014 Ryder Cup, Europe’s Rory McIlroy and Rickie Fowler of USA during their singles match which Rory won. ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan PGA Tour title to his credit – the 2012 Wells Fargo Championship – and it was perhaps the fact that he beat a certain R McIlroy in the play-off which sparked the talk of a lengthy rivalry to come in the years ahead. Despite some acrimony between McIlroy and some of his American opponents back in that Walker Cup, he and Fowler have since become good friends which accounts for his presence back at a course where he can only have fond memories. And the Rory factor has been crucial in assembling the most diverse and interesting Irish Open field since the tournament’s heyday in the seventies and eighties. Outside of the PGA Championship the likes of Ernie Els and Sergio Garcia rarely grace a European Tour event with their presence these days, but both are teeing up at RCD. The 45-year-old Els may be in the twilight of his career but his fourth major win came only three years ago and he showed in the first round of this year’s Masters that on his day he can still knock it round with the best of them. The putting may not be what it once was, but the Big Easy’s laconic swing is still a thing of beauty. Only Ulstermen and those with the

hardest of hearts will have wanted to see Garcia fail in his pursuit of Rory McIlroy in the closing stages of the Open Championship at Royal Liverpool last summer. His face was pure agony as he found the sand on the short 16th, which all but waved McIlroy, playing the hole behind with Fowler, through to take the Claret Jug. Colin Montgomerie might dispute it, though few would agree, that the Spaniard is surely the most talented man never to have won a major. Even though both Els and Darren Clarke have shown that when it comes to the Open, it’s never too late, Garcia may by now be thinking that his day to join the ranks of major winners have gone. But he remains big box office and the point of rounding up all these big name players is to provide a golfing treat the likes of which the Northern Ireland public has not witnessed before. Naturally the bulk of the attention and the largest galleries will be for McIlroy, but there will be recognisable figures dotted about all over the course. And walking 18 holes with the likes of Fowler, Els or Garcia will be worth the admission prices alone.

RORY’SJUST CHAMPION!

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PETER HUTCHEON FINDS THAT THE WORLD’S TOP GOLFER DELIVERS ON AND OFF THE COURSE

Belfast Telegraph | 22 May 2015

ory McIlroy is the Holywood hero born to be a golfing superstar. He is recognised around the globe as the world’s number one player and already aged just twenty-six he has four major titles to his name. And it’s now impossible for him to walk the streets of his native Northern Ireland without being mobbed by well-meaning fans. He is not quite so well known for the work of the Foundation which bears his name – although that might change now with the Rory McIlroy Foundation hosting the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Royal County Down. The Rory Foundation was set up simply to support children’s charities both at home and further afield. One of the major beneficiaries is the Daisy Lodge Centre for children with cancer just a couple of miles from the County Down course. Setting up the foundation McIlroy explained: “When I was younger my parents sacrificed everything to allow me to play the game I loved. “Having that support from my family allowed me to chase my dreams. “But I know that not every child is so fortunate. My aim is that the Rory Foundation will support children’s charities big and small around the world that try to give kids a helping hand.” McIlroy officially opened Daisy Lodge in Newcastle in October last year. It provides short breaks for children suffering from cancer. “It is something at home and it is something that I feel strongly about,” McIlroy says. “Being able to see what they have built for children and their families has been fantastic. “It’s great to see what a superb job people are doing here in trying to help people get back on their feet after being diagnosed with cancer. “The facilities are unbelievable.” The Rory Foundation was also behind a competition open to schools on both sides of the border to have the Irish Open trophy and the Claret Jug McIlroy holds as current Open champion, visit their school in the run-up to the County Down tournament. Winners from the four schools will also get to attend the Wednesday Pro-Am event. Rory’s uncle Brian McIlroy, chairman of the Rory Foundation, said: “Rory is very proud of where he comes from and it is very important for him to be as good an ambassador as he can for the island, north and south. “His commitment to helping children all over the world through the Rory Foundation is as strong and driven as his golf. “With the Irish Open tour competition we wanted to engage with schoolchildren throughout Northern Ireland and the Republic to stimulate pride in their class, school and in their own achievements, while at the same time encouraging a love of sport and in particular golf.” McIlroy himself benefited from Darren Clarke’s Foundation as a teenager in Ulster

2014 Ryder Cup, PGA Centenary Course, Gleneagles. Europe’s Rory McIlroy hits his opening drive on the 1st hole. ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan

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2014 PGA Grand Slam of Golf. ©INPHO/Getty Images – although that is a completely different kind of operation, designed to help up-andcoming young players. And Clarke says now that McIlroy stood out for him even when he first laid eyes on him as a 12-year-old. “He stood out straight away,” he said. “He didn’t hit it quite as far as he hits it now, mind, but he still hit it pretty hard when he was 12.” Four majors and a couple of World Golf Championships later, thanks to his matchplay win recently in San Francisco, McIlroy is intent on cementing his position

as the world’s best player. He may have missed out on the career Grand Slam at last month’s Masters, but he reckons that is only a matter of time. “I’d be very disappointed if at the end of my career I looked back and didn’t have at least a couple of wins at Augusta,” he says. “It’s always gratifying to be compared to the achievements of Jack Nicklaus or Tiger Woods, but I never consciously look at those things. “If you keep winning then they just take care of themselves and the same goes for the world rankings.

Rory McIlroy visits Daisy Lodge, Cancer Fund for Children’s therapeutic short break centre in Newcastle, County Down. ©INPHO/Presseye/Darren Kidd “The more you win tournaments, the further ahead in the rankings you get.” To date McIlroy has won three events this season. He is doubtless targeting a successful Open Championship defence in July at St Andrews, a venue where he has unfinished business after his second round 80 there five years ago.

In 2014 he won two majors which he said was his target for last year and there’s no reason to suppose he has lowered his standards this time around. And a victory around Royal County Down would occupy a special place in his trophy cabinet as well. McIlroy is one man who delivers on and off the course.

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Belfast Telegraph | 22 May 2015

AGLOBALLEADER FROMHUMBLEBEGINNINGS,DUBAI DUTYFREEHASGROWNINTOONE OFTHEBIGGESTTRAVELRETAIL OPERATORSINTHEWORLD,WITH SALESOF$1.917BILLIONIN2014

ounded in 1983, Dubai Duty Free recorded first-year sales of $20 million. Last year, annual sales reached a record-breaking $1.917 billion. The figure, representing a 7.36 per cent increase over the previous year, reaffirms Dubai Duty Free’s position as one of the largest single airport retail operations in the world, an accolade supported by Generation Research. Dubai Duty Free aims to raise that to $2 billion this year. In 2014, Dubai Duty Free recorded almost 27 million sales transactions, an average of 73,960 per day, across Dubai International Airport (DIA) and Al Maktoum International (AMI) in Dubai World Central. Perfume is still the bestselling category, with sales of $314 million contributing 17 per cent of the operation’s total sales. Liquor sales amount to $286 million, followed by gold $163.6 million, cigarettes and tobacco $160 million and confectionery $147.7 million. “This is a dynamic part of the world in terms of airport retail and the continued investment in airport infrastructure reflects

that,” says Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman of Dubai Duty Free. “Our expansion plans continue in line with the development at DIA, where the retail operation will reach 33,000 square metres with the opening of Concourse D this year. Meanwhile at AMI, our operation of 2,500 square metres will grow in line with the massive development plans of Dubai World Central.” In addition to the retail division Dubai Duty Free operates a Leisure Division which includes The Irish Village, Century Village, Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium and The Jumeirah Creekside Hotel. Last year, Ireland’s Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, officially opened the new extension at The Irish Village. The new phase, which overlooks the lake and the Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, increased the restaurant’s outdoor capacity by 70 per cent. In 2014 Dubai Duty Free received 37 awards including the travel retail industry’s top prize – the prestigious Frontier Award for Airport Retailer of the Year in a Single Location. On a personal level, Dubai Duty Free’s

Des Smyth, Dubai Duty Free golf ambassador and Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman, Dubai Duty Free at the announcement that Dubai Duty Free will be the title sponsor of the 2015 Irish Open hosted by The Rory Foundation at Royal County Down from May 28-31 Colm McLoughlin, was named a recipient of the Irish Presidential Distinguished Service Awards 2014 for the Irish abroad, making him one of a select group of people, and the

DUBAIDUTYFREEThroughtheyears 1985

1983

20 December Dubai Duty Free opened

Won first Frontier Award, regarded as the ‘Oscars of the Industry’

1986

Opened ‘At Your Service’landside shops. Sponsored Gulf Waterskiing Championships

1984

Sales for the first full year of operations reached US$20 million. Launched the ‘Fly Buy Dubai’ promotion

1987

1990

Organised the World Karate Championship. Steve Davis and Stephen Hendry photographed in iconic desert shot for Dubai Duty Free Classic snooker tournament

1988

1992

Achieved sales of US$66 million. Computerised Dubai Duty Free payroll

Staff Sports and Social Club established. Launched in-house magazine At Your Service. Opened Arrivals duty free shop

1989

first Irish person living in the UAE, to be recognised by the Irish government for his outstanding contribution to Irish business and communities abroad.

Expanded duty free shop. Launched Finest Surprise promotion – first Bentley Mulsanne giveaway. Organised inaugural Dubai Duty Free Snooker Classic

Opened The Aviation Club. Launched The Aviation Club Tennis Cup

1991

Became a major sponsor of the World Powerboat Race. Introduced online credit card authorization

1993

Organised inaugural Dubai Duty Free ATP Tennis Open. Organised inaugural Dubai Duty Free Golf World Cup

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22 May 2015 | Belfast Telegraph

LEADING THEFIELD

DUBAIDUTY FREESUPPORTS SPORTING DEVELOPMENT ATHOMEAND ABROADWITH AHOSTOF PRESTIGIOUS INTERNATIONAL ANDHOME GROWNEVENTS INITSPORTFOLIO

orses and horseracing are intrinsically linked to Arabian heritage, and Dubai Duty Free continues to promote the sport both at home and abroad, with some of the most prestigious events falling under its mantle. The travel retail operator’s sponsorship at Newbury Racecourse in the UK is now in its 20th year. “We have a strong horse racing sponsorship portfolio

that includes the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby and the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup at Ascot, but our first venture into race sponsorship was at Newbury, so it is a venue that we have become quite attached to,” says Colm McLoughlin. In April, Her Majesty the Queen attended the Dubai Duty Free Spring Trials Meeting – the start of Newbury’s racing calendar – for the seventh consecutive year. The brand reached another milestone last year by becoming the Official Sponsor at Ascot for the first time. It has supported the team jockeys’ competition since 2000, first as sponsor of the Rest of the World team and from 2006 as event sponsors. “We have been associated with the Shergar Cup from the outset and have seen it develop into a unique and hugely popular event in the British racing and social calendar,” says McLoughlin. “We have pledged our continued support until at least 2016 to our established status as title sponsor of this event and Official Sponsor at one of the world’s leading sporting venues.” All six races on the card have been raised to £40,000 each. The operation also sponsors one of the biggest races in Europe, the Dubai Duty

1997 1994

First Middle East Duty Free Conference took place in Dubai

Opened new offices and warehouse building. Launched the Dubai Duty Free International Raceday at Newbury

Free Irish Derby which offers a rich purse of €1.25 million and celebrates its 150th running this year. The event incorporates a three-day festival including Golf and a Charity ball. An annual event in the build-up to the race, the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Golf Classic saw a record 24 teams compete at one of Europe’s finest golf courses, The K Club Palmer Ryder Cup Course. The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Ball, held on the eve of the big race, continues to be one of the Irish racing calendar’s most anticipated social events, and €120,000 was raised last year for the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation, including a donation of €20,000 from the Dubai Duty Free Foundation. The Dubai Duty Free Golf World Cup marked its 22nd year. It was launched as a way of bringing together representatives of the duty-free industry from around the world to Dubai for a few days of friendly competition, and last year drew 125 players. Other golfing events Dubai Duty Free hosts at home include the Dubai Duty Free UAE Nationals Cup, Dubai Duty Free Junior Medal Championship, the Dubai Duty Free Seniors Cup, the annual DIS Mark Fahy Memorial Golf Tournament, the Dubai Duty

1999

Launched the Millennium Millionaire promotion. Launched the Dubai Duty Free website

Free Greensomes Strokeplay and the Dubai Duty Free Golf Cup, now in its 24th year, as well as the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters. The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, one of its flagship events, continues to draw some of the top players in the world including Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Venus Williams. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VicePresident and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the tournament carries a prize pot of $5 million and this year was voted the ATP 500 Tournament of the Year, a remarkable 11th time in 12 years. The travel retail operator is also a sponsor of the popular annual Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens tournament. Dubai Duty Free is also active in the powerboat racing arena, sponsoring the UIM Dubai XCAT World Series. Dubai Duty Free is also behind one of the youngest events on the UAE sporting scene, the Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters. 2014 also saw Dubai Duty Free sponsoring the International Basketball Federation’s U17 World Championship, as well as the hosts, the UAE National Team. Dubai Duty Free’s international sporting story continues with the sponsorship of the Irish Open 2015. The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, hosted by the Rory Foundation, is being held at the Royal County Down Golf Club from May 28-31, 2015.

2004

2001

Organised inaugural Dubai Duty Free WTA Tennis Open. Introduced Dubai Duty Free/ AMEX co-branded card

Launched the Dubai Duty Free Foundation. Colm McLoughlin received Frontier’s Lifetime Achievement Award

1995

Built the Dubai Tennis Stadium. Organised inaugural UAE Nationals Cup

2002

Launched ‘Full of Surprises’ advertising campaign. Launched horse racing sponsorship at The Curragh, Ireland

1996

Opened The Irish Village at the tennis stadium. Launched a dedicated Customer Service Section

1998

Organised inaugural Dubai Duty Free Seniors Cup. Introduced an Environment Management System

2000

Opened 5,400sq m of retail in the new Sheikh Rashid Terminal. Launched horse racing sponsorship at Ascot, UK

2003

20th Anniversary – Dubai Duty Free offers 20% discount on its anniversary day and donates the entire day’s sales to charity

2005

Organised the iconic tennis match between Roger Federer and Andre Agassi on the helipad of Burj Al Arab

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Belfast Telegraph | 22 May 2015

DubaiDutyFreeFoundation

n October 2004, Dubai Duty Free launched the Dubai Duty Free Foundation, a charitable body founded under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Duty Free, and with Colm McLoughlin as Chairman of the board. The Foundation, which aims to raise funds for worthy causes with a particular emphasis on causes that directly benefit children, has since donated funds to several charities, both at home and abroad. Among the many charitable initiatives the Foundation has supported over the years include the opening in 2014 of the US$1.5 million Dubai Duty Free Sports Complex at Lycée Jean-Baptiste Pointe du Sable in Haiti, as part of the operation’s support to the travel retail industryled Hand in Hand for Haiti initiative. The school was built as a humanitarian response to the catastrophic Haitian earthquake of January 2010. Following the devastating typhoon ‘Haiyan’ that hit the Philippines in November 2013, the Dubai Duty Free Foundation funded the constructions of 32 houses to support the housing project of ‘Gawad Kalinga’ in Leyte which was completed recently. The Foundation also sponsored some of its employees to join the Gulf for Good “The High Atlas Challenge in Morocco” to support the Education For All (EFA) to help build the fifth boarding house for the girls in the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Dubai Duty Free staff also participated in the Gulf for Goods “Great Asian Cycling Challenge” (Vietnam to Cambodia) in support of the Christina Noble Foundation

to help build a kindergarten school in Vietnam. The Foundation also made significant financial support to various Ramadan campaigns including a Dhs3 million donation to provide clothing to 1 million needy children around the world in 2013 and a Dhs3 million donation towards the UAE Water Aid Campaign to provide safe drinking water for an estimated five million people who suffer from a shortage of potable water worldwide. Recently, the Foundation donated Dhs5 million to the “UAE Compassion” initiative directed by the UAE President, H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed

Al Nahyan and supported by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VicePresident and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to provide winter aid for one million refugees and people in the

2008 2006

Patron sponsor of the inaugural Dubai Ladies Masters

2007

Took on title sponsorship of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby. Opened 8,000 sq m of retail space in new Terminal 3. Exceeded US$1 billion annual sales. Celebrated its 25th anniversary with US$19.3 million sales on 20th December

Won the Frontier Airport Retailer of the Year award for the fifth time

Levant countries affected by snow storm Huda – the worst seen in the Middle East in decades. To date, the Foundation has supported 34 local and 51 overseas charities since 2004.

2013

2011

Colm McLoughlin named Executive Vice Chairman and George Horan President of Dubai Duty Free. Launched its Leisure Division

Opened its retail operation in the new Concourse A. Sponsored the inaugural Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters Celebrated its milestone 30th anniversary with US$30.65 million sales on 20th December

2015

Became the title sponsor of the Irish Open hosted by the Rory Foundation with a prize fund increase of 25% to €2.5 million

2009

Dubai Duty Free No.1 in the world in terms of turnover according to Generation Research

2010

Launched a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to win one of the world’s most exclusive cars, a Maybach 62S Landaulet. Named Brand of the Year by Superbrands UAE

2012

Celebrated 20th anniversary of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. Opened The Jumeirah Creekside Hotel. Opened its first border shop located at Hatta-Oman border

2014

The opening by an Taoiseach Enda Kenny of The Irish Village extension, increasing its outdoor capacity by 70%. Supported the inaugural Dublin Arabic Film Festival in Ireland. Won the Frontier Airport Retailer of the Year in Single Location Award Celebrated 31st anniversary with weekend sales of US$51.74 million during the 72 hours period. Colm McLoughlin was a recipient of the Irish Presidential Distinguished Service Awards in the Business and Education category. Annual sales reach US$1.917 billion

Dubai Duty Free Irish Open 2015 | 19

22 May 2015 | Belfast Telegraph

X1,Par5,539yards A relatively straightforward opener with a par five reachable in two for most, with a generous landing area off the tee. The long deep green is receptive to hybrid approaches and, like most of the putting surfaces, leans towards Dundrum Bay.

DubaiDutyFreeIrishOpen

X14,Par3,212yards With the green sloping from front to back the players can have a little fun from the elevated tee. But five bunkers guard the front and for wild shots there is a pond over to the left.

X6,par4,398yards

X10,Par3,181yards

X15,Par4,467yards

One of the shortest par fours but also one of the most difficult from a tight blind tee shot to the approach to a small and fiendishly difficult green. Chips to be avoided if at all possible.

Strong par three with four bunkers protecting the green. The safe play is to the left half of the green usually leaving a long birdie putt. Anything else flirts with considerable danger.

A tough second as anything over 300 yards off the tee will roll into the rough. The narrow green slopes away on all sides leaving difficult recovery shots.

X7,Par3,145yards

X11,Par4,440yards

X16,Par4,337yards

Sand is the major obstacle with one bunker to the front of the green, two pot bunkers to the back and one large one to the right which will gobble up anything which lands the wrong side of the putting surface.

Another blind tee shot but with one of the more generous landing areas over the hill. Three bunkers protect the green and there is a patch of dead ground just in front of the putting surface to avoid as well.

The longer hitters will be tempted to take the driver and the green is just about in range for them. But it’s a small target for those laying up, there’s plenty of trouble to find through the back of the green.

X8,Par4,430yards

X12,Par5,527yards

X17,Par4,435yards

The longest short hole on the course which will need a long iron or hybrid off the tee. Three bunkers lie short of the green and another two right behind them and all must be avoided.

The wind dominates on the highest hole on the course and the second shot can be anything from a three wood to a wedge. The narrow green is a notoriously quick putting surface. For members it is stroke index one.

Some monstrous bunkers lie in wait for errant tee shots and are the penalty for anyone seeking a short cut to a birdie. It is reachable in two and top players will relish the opportunity for eagle.

The pond in the centre of the fairway is the dominant feature off the tee and the prudent play is to lay up short with a wood. It’s a tricky second from a downslope to an elevated green surrounded by seven bunkers.

X5,Par4,448yards

X9,Par4,486yards

Once again the fairway is unsighted from the green and a host of bunkers are waiting for anything leaked right off the tee. The green is guarded by bunkers at the front and by banks of heather on the other three sides.

The most picturesque, but imposing hole on the course. Players cannot see the landing area of the green despite the elevated tee. Even a good drive leaves a difficult second to one of the more undulating greens.

X2,Par4,444yards The first blind tee shot and a daunting one with all kinds of danger lurking out of sight. Approaches need to avoid a grassy hollow short right of the green which slopes up from front to back.

X3,Par4,477yards Longer hitters will aim to carry the fairway bunker left to leave the best line into the green. The putting surface is one of the flattest on the course but has a reputation as one of the most difficult to read.

X4,Par3228yards

X13,Par4,444yards High dunes down both sides of the fairway dominate the view from the tee. The fairway doglegs from left to right. The green is surrounded on three sides by high dunes which will make it a key viewing point.

X18,Par5,550yards Great finishing hole back towards the mountains. No fewer than 18 bunkers line the hole and there’s danger all down the left hand side. The safe approach is to the front of the green to leave an uphill birdie or eagle putt to finish.

20 | Dubai Duty Free Irish Open 2015

Belfast Telegraph | 22 May 2015

IrishOpenMagic isBack

SEVE,LANGER,FALDOANDWOOSNAMUSEDTO CHARMTHEFANSANDNOWTHEBIGNAMESARE COMINGBACKTOTHRILLUSONCEAGAIN

he Irish Open honours board reads likes a who’s who of European heroes. Seve Ballesteros is up there as a winner three times, as is Sir Nick Faldo. Sam Torrance, Bernhard Langer and Ian Woosnam each won it twice and while Sergio Garcia and Jose Maria Olazabal have also lifted the trophy. When Seve was king many considered those years in the 1970s and 1980s to be the glory days of the Irish Open when Europeans played in Europe and Americans knew their place. Only kidding: Ben Crenshaw travelled over to Portmarnock in 1976 and walked away with the title. But something was lost as the European Tour began to stretch out to encompass large swathes of Asia and the Middle East. The star names had more interest in the riches the PGA Tour was offering across the Atlantic as the nineties turned into the 21st Century. But now it feels like the magic is back for the Irish Open. The field gathering for battle at Royal County Down is the strongest assembled since those halcyon days of the eighties. Ernie Els and Sergio Garcia rarely grace the European Tour with their presence

By PETER HUTCHEON these days while American Rickie Fowler adds a little trans-Atlantic glamour to the occasion. Fowler in particular, responded from overtures from Rory McIlroy to play. There are other reasons why some of the games biggest names have decided to come to the

THE MOVE BACK TO NORTHERN IRELAND AFTER A LONG GAP STIMULATED A HUGE AMOUNT OF INTEREST IN THE IRISH OPEN

tournament Undoubtedly the move to bring the tournament back to Northern Ireland after a gap of more than 60 years when it was held at Royal Portrush in 2012 stimulated a huge amount of interest. That event smashed all European Tour attendance records and the Tour immediately acknowledged that they would be mad not to return. The Nick Faldo designed course at Lough Erne has been confirmed as the venue in two years time. It has also helped that Northern Ireland has two courses which routinely feature towards the top end of the world’s best in the golfing magazines and naturally the Tour would have been indeed crazy had they considered anywhere else first. Royal Portrush was the first tournament in European Tour history to be completely sold out and Royal County Down will become the second. It was declining attendances and a similar decline in sponsors and therefore prize money which led both the European Tour to expand eastwards and the top players to disappear in the opposite direction over the last 20 years or so. Established events like the English Open and the European Open disappeared from the calendar while others struggled to attract front line sponsors.

Even Royal Portrush only happened because the Stormont Executive stepped in as erstwhile sponsors – seeing the potential for golf as a major selling point for Northern Ireland on the back of the major successes of Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell. Securing Dubai Duty Free as the main sponsor for this year’s tournament is something of a breakthrough in the commercial side of things and again the link to McIlroy is more than a little responsible for that. Looking ahead to the long-term future, it can only be right that the Open continues to alternate between both sides of the border. Royal Portrush is out of the picture while preparations continue for it to stage the Open Championship, but there is no good reason why it cannot come back to Royal County Down at some point in the future and Lough Erne is also gaining a solid reputation.

Dubai Duty Free Irish Open 2015 | 21

22 May 2015 | Belfast Telegraph

DIDYOUKNOW..

X X

The first Irish Open tournament was in 1927

The history of the Irish Open in Northern Ireland dates back to 1928 when the second ever tournament was held at Royal County Down, the venue for this year’s event.

Prior to this year, the Irish Open has been held in Northern Ireland 10 times. Royal Portrush has hosted the event on four occasions (1930, 1937, 1947 and 2012), Royal County Down on three prior occasions (1928, 1935 and 1939), Belvoir Park, Belfast, twice in 1949 and 1953, with Malone Golf Club, Belfast, hosting the event just once in 1933.

The first two Irish Opens to be held in Northern Ireland were won by English brothers Ernest Whitcombe at Royal County Down 1928 and Charles Whitcombe at Royal Portrush in 1930. A third brother Reg completed Irish Open wins for the whole family when he lifted the title at Royal Dublin in 1936.

Wicklow golfer Harry Bradshaw won the Irish Open twice in Northern Ireland in the space of three years – firstly in 1947 at Royal Portrush and then again in 1949 at Belvoir Park.

In 2012, the Irish Open returned to Northern Ireland for the first time in more than 50 years when Royal Portrush hosted a record breaking tournament, the first European Tour event to sell out completely in advance. Jamie Donaldson was crowned champion that year and likened the experience to playing in a major championship.

This year, Royal County Down will host the Irish Open for the first time in 76 years.

The legendary Fred Daly from Portrush is the only player from Northern Ireland to ever win the Irish Open, when he lifted the title at Portmarnock, Dublin, in 1946. The following year he became the first Irish player to win the Open Championship in 1947 at Hoylake (Royal Liverpool) Golf Club.

22 | Dubai Duty Free Irish Open 2015

BradleyNeil

✸

Reigning British Amateur Champion Bradley Neil comes to Royal County Down with fond memories of Ulster, having won that coveted title last year at Royal Portrush. He had recorded seven top ten finishes in 2014 before landing the big one on the County Antrim coast, becoming the first Scot to lift the title in ten years with a win over South African Zander Lombard in the final. That win qualified him for last year’s Open Championship at Royal Lytham. He was part of Scotland’s successful European Nations Cup side last year and he was also a member of the victorious Great Britain and Ireland St Andrews Trophy team. He played in the Junior Ryder Cup team at his home course of Blairgowrie and, as Amateur champion, took his place in the field at this year’s Masters where he missed the cut at 13 over par.

Belfast Telegraph | 22 May 2015

GavinMoynihan

✸

Gavin Moynihan from The Island club in County Dublin first came to international prominence in 2012 as a 17-year-old when he captured the Peter McEvoy Trophy and the Irish Amateur Open Championship within a month of each other. He came close to defending the amateur title the following year when he only lost out in a three-man play-off. Those performances led to a Walker Cup debut at the National Golf Club for Great Britain and Ireland when he was undefeated after playing in all four series of matches with two victories and two halves. He is well on course for a place on this year’s team and was announced as a member of the 20-man provisional squad in January. Last year he added the Carrick Neil Scottish Amateur Open title to his haul and was a member of the European team which won the Sir Michael Bonallack Trophy in India against an international side. So far in 2015 he has had top ten finishes in South Africa when he lost a play-off in the Eastern Province/Border Championship and then tied fifth in the South African Stroke Play Championship.

GaryHurley

✸

Gary Hurley of the West Waterford club has built up a solid reputation as one of the most consistent performers on the international amateur scene. Two years ago he clinched the R&A Foundation Scholars Tournament title and with it, a place on the European team for the Palmer Cup. He has earned a place on that team for this year and was one of five Irish players named in the provisional Walker Cup Great Britain and Ireland panel in January. Although he did not manage a victory last season, he was one of the circuit’s most consistent performers. He tied for fifth in the Free State Open, fourth in the Lytham Trophy, reached the semi-finals of the West Of Ireland, came third in the East Of Ireland, fifth in the Brabazon Trophy, second in the European Amateur Championship and was also runner-up in the Irish Colleges Invitational Tournament. He played in last year’s Irish Open at Fota Island and made the cut on his European Tour debut with a superb second round 66. This year he has managed a fifth placed finish at the South Africa Stroke Play Championship and was runner-up at the R&A Foundation Scholars event.

JackHume

✸

Jack Hume of the Naas club in County Kildare is one of only two players to have won all four of the provincial Irish Boys Championships in a single year – which he achieved in 2010 at the age of 16. His runner-up finish at the 2013 Lytham Trophy earned him his first international callup and he has become a regular on the Irish team since. Last year he added two individual championships, the West of Ireland and the Nassau Invitation in New York. He also finished runner-up to Gavin Moynihan in the Scottish Amateur Stroke Play Championship and was third in the Miami Invitational. Like Moynihan, he was included in the provisional 20-man for this year’s Walker Cup matches to be played at Royal Lytham & St Annes.

NewKidsontheBlock PETERHUTCHEONASSESSESFOURGIFTEDYOUNGSTERSCOMINGTO THEIRISHOPEN…THISWON’TBETHELASTYOUHEAROFTHEM

24 | Dubai Duty Free Irish Open 2015

Belfast Telegraph | 22 May 2015

THE SMARTER PLAYER

PETERHUTCHEON BELIEVES2015 ISGOINGTOBE AMASSIVEYEAR FORPOPULAR PORTRUSH GOLFERGRAEME McDOWELL

t is strange to think that in any other era Graeme McDowell would probably be the pre-eminent Ulster sportsman of his generation. He’s a man with a major, a US Open, to his name, numerous victories around the world and has become the absolute bedrock of the European Ryder Cup team. But you will never hear him complain that countrymen Rory McIlroy or Darren Clarke have stolen his thunder. Far from it, he’s more than happy to play his part in Northern Ireland’s rise to become the unofficial golfing capital of the world. That has seen the Irish Open venture first to his home town of Portrush – with the holy grail of the Open Championship to follow – and now the tournament being staged at Royal County Down for the first time. It is no coincidence that big time golf has

returned with such a vengeance now that the place boasts three major winners. McDowell has the uncanny ability to pop up with a victory when he most needs one and it is that ability which has made him an ever present in the top 50 of the world rankings for so long now. That, in turn, guarantees him entry into the the majors and World Golf Championships and helps keep his career ticking over. Once upon a time players would have been more than content to end their careers with just the one major to his name, but McDowell set out to his stall to become a multiple major winner no sooner had he won that US Open at Pebble Beach in 2010. And, in truth, he could have done so by now, missing chances at the same event two years later and then the Open Championship a couple of months after that. The number 35 looms large for McDowell at the moment – it is both his age and his world ranking. The former suggests there is plenty of gas left in the tank at the top end of the game; the latter that he could very well be doing with another victory at some point this season to preserve his place at the top table.

Dubai Duty Free Irish Open 2015 | 25

22 May 2015 | Belfast Telegraph Graeme McDowell holds the 2010 U.S. Open Championship trophy. ©INPHO/Action Images/ REUTERS/Danny Moloshok

“I feel like I have been at a crossroads this year,” he said a little earlier in the season. “I am trying to get myself back to the player I was and the way I thought rather than being this guy who is trying to be perfect and has less patience and gets frustrated and angered quicker than he ever did. “I am trying to take a step back and realise that you are supposed to be happy when you get to this point.” The thing abut McDowell is that his game is so uncomplicated that there is little to go wrong. And then when everything really clicks as it did at the Volvo World Matchplay two years ago in Bulgaria, there are few who can live with him. He is a strong bet to win his national title one day and made a pretty good fist of it last year in finishing fifth at Cork’s Fota Island. His links knowledge must make him a strong contender at Royal County Down if he gets off to a decent start. It will have been a huge relief to McDowell that Rory McIlroy’s legal battle with former sports agency Horizon never saw the inside of the courtroom as he had been dragged unwittingly into the dispute. That had to put a strain on his relationship with the world number one, though their bond was so strong

the controversy never threatened their friendship. It has been a quiet start to the year for McDowell with just one top ten finish, the Dubai Desert Classic where he finished ninth. Since then he has missed the cut at two PGA events in America, finished tied for 52nd in the Masters and went out of the World Matchplay in San Francisco after the group stage. He faces a huge couple of months as he looks to arrest his slide in the world rankings with the US Open coming up next month and the Open Championship at St Andrews in July. “I feel more motivated right now than I have in a long time,” he says. “I have a great image in my head of winning tournaments and having my wife and kids waiting for me on the 18th green. “That is one of the many things that is driving me on the range these days. We always ask ourselves if we are continuing to get better. “I feel like I have more tools to do the job than I had a few years ago. “I feel like I’m a smarter, more complete player. “I know I have always had to work harder than the next guy.”

26 | Dubai Duty Free Irish Open 2015

Belfast Telegraph | 22 May 2015

Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman of Dubai Duty Free and George O’Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour pictured at the announcement that Dubai Duty Free will be the title sponsor of the 2015 Irish Open hosted by The Rory Foundation at Royal County Down from May 28-31. ©INPHO/Presseye/Darren Kidd

ALLTOGETHERNOW

HOWTHEROYALCOUNTYDOWNGOLFCLUBAND TOWNOFNEWCASTLEAREWORKINGASONETOMAKE THEIRISHOPENABIGSUCCESS

he 2012 Irish Open at Royal Portrush was one of the most successful tournaments in the history of the European Tour – and now the Royal County Down club is aiming to be a big hit too. In terms of ticket sales they won’t trump their northern neighbours as spectators are limited to 20,000 each day. But RCD captain Kenneth McCaw says the two clubs have worked together in the build-up to this year’s event. “Royal Portrush hosted a very successful tournament and we have a strong relationship with them,” he says. “Naturally we were in touch to find out what worked for them and what went wrong to see if we could improve one or two things.” The one major criticism of the 2012 event came from the Portush traders who were

dismayed to discover that golf patrons were unable to leave the course to visit the town centre and then return. That is being put right this time. “The town of Newcastle is very important to the club and the club is very important to the town,” says Kenneth. “So we are all working together on this. “It’s important that everyone benefits and this was an important part of the negotiations over whether we were going to host the tournament that the town was on the agenda. “So, yes, we would encourage everyone coming to the Irish Open to visit the town at some stage. “It’s a great opportunity for people to explore the local area, especially if they haven’t been there before.” Royal County Down’s reputation as one of the best courses anywhere in the world has

undoubtedly had an impact on the worldclass field assembling this year – although the club is keen to stress that Rory McIlroy’s efforts have played a major part. “We are lucky enough at Royal County Down to be the custodians of one of the finest links courses in the world,” Kenneth says. “But it’s difficult to overestimate the personal contribution that Rory McIlroy has given to this Irish Open. It promises to be the one of the best that we’ve ever had.” At a touch under 7,200 yards, Royal County Down is not long by the standards of most European Tour venues, but Kenneth says the club is not worried that their course will prove too easy for the top modern professionals. It was predicted that Royal Portrush would be eaten up by the top players, but that didn’t prove to be the case.

“Length is not everything,” says Kenneth. “There are a few shots out there, particularly off the tee, which is going to need a bit of height on the ball which is probably unique on a links course and shots into the green can be a bit tricky as well. “It doesn’t really matter what the winning score is. These are world class golfers and we have got a field that the golfing public can come along and watch. “If they finish on a really good score then that’s terrific.” Preparations for the event have been going on since last year and a small army of people from Royal County Down has been assembled to make sure that it all goes off without a hitch. The members have been playing off mats since last October to keep the fairways in pristine condition and a host of attention has been paid to all manner of tiny details. “Eamon Crawford the links manager, David Wilson the club secretary and Ian Webb and his championship committee have all worked incredibly hard to get us to where we are now,” said Kenneth. “Douglas Webb has done an incredible job as chief marshal bringing together 400 marshals from 24 or 25 clubs across the province and for the club I’d like to say a big thank you to all of them as well.” It’s been 76 years since the Royal County Down club last hosted an Irish Open. With pictures of the links at the foot of the Mournes to be beamed out across the world this time around, the gap to the next one should be a good deal shorter.

H PerfectAmbassador

28 | Dubai Duty Free Irish Open 2015

Belfast Telegraph | 22 May 2015

NORTHERNIRELANDGOLFFANSWOULDLOVETO SEEEUROPE’SRYDERCUPCAPTAINSHINEATTHE IRISHOPEN,WRITESPETERHUTCHEON

e would not be Darren Clarke if he did not talk up his chances of playing his way onto his own Ryder Cup team. Alas his days as a leading European player are pretty much behind him and such thoughts should be banished from his mind as he prepares for the other challenges next year’s Ryder Cup at Hazeltine present to him as captain. Victory there may be regarded as the pinnacle of his career by some, though one suspects he personally will always treasure his Open Championship victory at Royal St George’s more highly than anything he did in the colours of Europe. There will always be a tinge of regret at not winning an Irish Open. He talks often of one of his proudest moments being his victory at the K Club in Kildare in 2001. That, though, was a European Open – a subtle but important difference. He could always put that right at Royal County Down next week but given his form over the last couple of years, that would be quite a leap of faith. What a victory it would be, though, and perhaps a vindication of the decision he made back in 2005 at Carton House when he, on principle, opted not to take advantage of a good lie in heavy rough afforded by an over enthusiastic fan and ended up losing out on the coveted title to Thomas Bjorn. It has been decisions like those which have made Clarke immensely popular with both players and fans alike over the years. That, and his stellar playing record in the Ryder Cup, are what have propelled him to the captaincy. He remains a straight talker never afraid to air his opinion which will undoubtedly be interesting to watch in the heat of a Ryder Cup battle next year. There is also his genuine sense of hospitality and generosity, traits seen at their best as he acted as the unofficial host of the 2012 Irish Open at Royal Portrush, which was by any stretch of the imagination, a supreme triumph for all concerned. Moving back to settle with his family in Northern Ireland has suited him. And he has become a perfect ambassador for the country as well as the game around the world. Paul McGinley has set the bar extremely high for the standards expected of Ryder

Dubai Duty Free Irish Open 2015 | 29

22 May 2015 | Belfast Telegraph

Cup captains and it would be difficult for anyone to live up to the meticulous preparations he put in place last year. And it is unfortunate that relations between the two men are not what they once were. Clarke will no doubt speak to McGinley to get his thoughts on captaincy

though ultimately he will do it his way. Clarke revelled in his role as the unofficial tournament host when the Irish Open came to Royal Portrush three years ago. He will be able to relax a little more as McIlroy takes on that role at Royal County

Down and is certainly looking forward to the challenge. “Any time we get back on a links is very special. Ireland has some of the very best links courses in the world, and Royal County Down is up at the very top of that list,” he says.

“I haven’t played at County Down for a good many years as I don’t have to travel very far from my home to play a world class links at Royal Portrush. “But it is up there with the best courses anywhere in the world and it is a demanding course to play. “A lot of links courses give you the option to hit the ball very low whereas at Royal County Down you have to hit it up in the air, so it is demanding off the tee and the second shot as well.” Naturally more and more of Clarke’s time is going to be taken up with his Ryder Cup duties over the coming season and a half, leaving less time for him to concentrate on his playing career. He does have a lucrative future ahead of him in just a couple of years on the Senior Tour circuit. But he will fancy one last hurrah in the European Tour where he has excelled for over 20 years. Imagine if he won the Irish Open on Sunday what a popular victory that would be.

30 | Dubai Duty Free Irish Open 2015

Belfast Telegraph | 22 May 2015

NIOpenatGalgorm enjoyskeydateon2015 ChallengeTourSchedule

he European Challenge Tour will make a welcome return to the province in 2015 with the Northern Ireland Open confirmed to take place at Galgorm Castle in Ballymena for the third consecutive year from August 6-9. The European Challenge Tour’s international schedule has the record breaking Northern Ireland Open holding a key date on the calendar, to be played on a week when there is no regular European Tour event. (The WGC Bridgestone Invitational in Akron, Ohio takes place on the same date). The Galgorm showpiece broke all attendance records for any European Challenge Tour event in the last two years, with over 34,000 spectators coming through the gates in 2014 to witness Sweden’s Joakim Lagergren become the new NI Open champion and pick up the €27,200 winner’s cheque. The new date earlier in August is certain to attract an even stronger field this year as

several main European Tour players have already indicated they hope to compete at Galgorm. Five-time European Tour winner Michael Hoey has signed up as the Tournament Ambassador for the third consecutive year and will be one of the many household names on show. “We are delighted with the new date on the European Challenge Tour’s international schedule and we look forward to welcoming back to Northern Ireland some of the finest players in Europe and beyond,” said Gary Henry, NI Open Tournament Director. “The NI Open is a great opportunity to put Northern Ireland, Ballymena and Galgorm in front of a global audience of over 350 million. For spectators on the ground during tournament week, they will also enjoy the dedicated Food Festival, which proved such a great success last year.” Once again the NI Open will be free to enter. All the general public will have to do is register online at www.niopen.co.uk to get their free tickets.

Joakim Lagergren Northern Ireland Open 2014 winner. Matt Mackey/Presseye.com

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