The Northern Irish Open 2017, Galgorm Castle

The wall fronting the 7th green at Galgorm Castle

The NIOpen starts in earnest tomorrow and Galgorm Castle Golf Club is in fine, fine shape. The club/management have been working hard to keep things 'fresh' on the course and there is now a lot more rough hugging bunkers, with the fescue adding hugely to the colour (and dangers) of the holes.

A new wall has been added to the front of the par 7th green - see photo above - which has given it a far sterner and classier appearance.

Entry to the NIOpen is free of charge and there will be a bigger buzz than usual - not
just because of the increased Irish participation but also because of the 'shootout' Sunday format, with the top 24 (out of 156) players going toe-to-toe over five rounds of six holes. The event has many other elements to it (see below), but for now, here are some of this year's photographs of the golf course.

The 15th at Galgorm Castle

 The Galgorm Resort & Spa Northern Ireland Open, presented by Modest! Golf is the official name of the event and the location is Ballymena. If you're looking for something to do, why not head down and enjoy the atmosphere of an event that is now in its 5th year and getting stronger every year.

Left side of the 18th hole

Grasses on full display on the par five 3rd hole at Galgorm Castle

You can register for tickets at NIOpen.golf

The Extras - for all the family.
Tournament week at the Northern Ireland Open has become so much more than just a golf event; there’s high fashion to consider, family fairy trails, interactive zones, the NI Open village but perhaps most important of all there is a brand new Junior NI Open to be entered.

The GolfNow Junior NI Open is free to enter for all children aged between 6-13. There is no need to book, simply head on over to the Interactive Zone to register and pick up your scorecard before hitting the pitch and putt course.

Galgorm Castle have introduced a 'Himalayas' putting course
as well as a pitch & putt course (in the background).

Don’t worry the team at Galgorm will supply the golf clubs and balls and kids can enter as many times as they like. The competition runs from Thursday to Sunday. Mum and dad can play too but we draw the line at them entering the competition!

“This is a great introduction to the overall offering at the NI Open and an excellent way for all the family to try golf and have a bit of fun, especially if they haven’t played before,” explained Ross Oliver, NI Open Event Manager.

“We have four categories; 6-9 boys and girls and 10-13 for boys and girls with loads of great goodies and prizes to be won. The kids can get their game face on too for their chance to win and receive the prize from Modest! Golf’s Niall Horan when the winners will be announced at 2pm on the final day.”