Engaging with the Future of Golf for the Northern Ireland Open

Galgorm Castle Golf Club

In perfectly timed symmetry - and by sheer coincidence - Modest! Golf issued a press release that dovetailed with my rant against the ShopRite LPGA Classic in New Jersey, next month. Essentially the people running the US tournament have decided to issue one sponsor invitation based on a beauty contest. I'm not kidding. That is utterly the wrong way to promote golf. The right way to promote golf, on the other hand, is the Modest! Golf way and I applaud them for their approach. They will invite the leading Under 18 player to compete in the Northern Irish Open (10-

13 August). Does that not open doorways and send the right message to young golfers! Here are the details:

This year's Northern Ireland Amateur Open will take place at Galgorm Castle Golf Club on Tuesday 18th July. The winner, plus the leading under-18 player, will qualify for the NI Open, presented by Modest! Golf, as the golf management company extend their support of the NI Open to embrace the Northern Ireland Amateur Open.

Approach to the 3rd hole at Galgorm Castle.

The Northern Ireland Amateur Open, sponsored by Specsavers Ballymena, has become one of the province's standout amateur championships since its inception in 2009 and this year promises to attract another quality field, especially with the added incentive of competing against Europe’s leading professionals from August 10-13, at the NI Open.

“Last year we enjoyed a dramatic sudden death playoff before Warrenpoint's Jamie Fletcher overcame local favourite Michael Reid from Galgorm Castle, to add his name to the illustrious list of champions," explained Galgorm Castle's Ross Oliver. 

Cormac Sharvin, former Northern Ireland Amateur Open winner (2012)
and now full time touring professional, who will compete in the 2017 NI Open

“Walker Cup player Cormac Sharvin won in 2012, Ireland internationals Reeve Whitson (2010) and Tiarnon McLarnon (2015) also feature on the roll of honour, while Ballymena’s current shining light, Dermot McElroy, won in 2013 and went on to finish tied ninth at the NI Open and finish as leading amateur.”

Former winners such as Sharvin and McElroy will return to Galgorm to compete as touring professionals, illustrating the role tournament golf at Galgorm plays in the development of Ireland’s young amateurs and professionals.    

This year’s Northern Ireland Amateur Open will also guarantee a place in the NI Open for the leading under-18 player, courtesy of an invite from Modest! Golf, as they continue to provide playing opportunities for young amateurs just like they did by inviting teenage sensation Tom McKibbin to play in the 2016 NI Open.

Teenage sensation Tom McKibbin, who was invited by
Modest! Golf to compete in the
2016 NI Open at Galgorm Castle Golf Club (PressEye).

Niall Horan, Director of Modest! Golf, said: “We are excited to be involved in the Northern Ireland Amateur Open and are delighted to extend an invitation to the leading under-18 competitor. These guys are the future stars of the game and we want to support this next generation of talent."

Fellow Modest! Golf Director Mark McDonnell commented: “We hope this invitation to the leading under-18 player will encourage more applicants from this age group than ever before. It's a great platform to test and improve their game and we must thank Galgorm Castle and the European Challenge Tour as always for supporting our values and vision.”

Galgorm Castle's 4th hole (a river runs in front of the green)

The prestigious 36-hole strokeplay event holds a key date in a busy summer schedule for the game’s elite amateurs. The Northern Ireland Amateur Open doesn’t clash with other championships and is expected to attract a strong field, not only for the chance to win but for the opportunity to compete in one of the best professional events on the European schedule.

Amateurs competing in the NI Open will also have the opportunity to earn ranking points in the Challenge Tour’s Road to Oman, but before that, all focus will be on becoming the 2017 Northern Ireland Amateur Open champion.

Entry forms can be downloaded at niopen.golf or galgormcastle.com. The closing date for entries is Monday July 3^rd, 2017, entry is £35/€45 and includes lunch. For further information contact the Galgorm Castle Professional Shop on +44 (0) 28 2564 6161.

Photos of Galgorm Castle Golf Club are here.