I am thrilled the European Tour has settled on the North Coast as a venue for the Irish Open. 

Northern Ireland, particularly Portrush has scored a hole-in-one securing a professional golfing tournament.  The announcement today is beyond exciting for the local people and for the local economy.  The positive social and economic implications are astounding and will not end with the tournament.  An event such as this has the potential to bolster the area for a long time

There is no question that this is possible.  This area is seasoned to host major events.  The continued success this area enjoys hosting international events such as the North West 200 and the Milk Cup only proves how capable we are.  Royal Portrush is on par with the finest links courses in the world. The chain reaction of successes by Graeme McDowell, Darren Clarke and Rory McIlroy, all associated with Royal Portrush have inspired confidence, at the highest level, in this club.

I congratulate all those involved in bringing the Irish Open to Portrush; they have convinced the golfing world what we already know.  The task is now to prepare a world class venue for an experience to be proud of.  Northern Ireland is on everyone’s lips at the moment for all the right reasons.  Let’s keep them talking and perhaps encourage the prestigious Open Championship home to the undisputed capital of golf.

DAVID McCLARTY MLA