The 148th Open will be played at Royal Portrush from July 14-21, 2019, a historic return of the event to Northern Ireland after nearly 70 years. In preparation for this celebratory moment, Tourism Ireland has launched a campaign to promote golfing in Northern Ireland.
In partnership with UK news outlet SkyMedia, Tourism Ireland created four short videos showcasing the beautiful scenery of Northern Ireland and featuring narration from legendary golfer Darren Clarke. The videos are meant to entice golfers to visit the breathtaking courses Northern Ireland has to offer.
For a small region, Northern Ireland certainly has born its fair share of champion golfers. Rory McIlroy was first introduced to the sport in Northern Ireland at the tender age of two. Graeme McDowell was taught at Rathmore golf course and grew up near Royal Portrush. Darren Clarke was a junior member at the Dungannon Golf Club, whose junior section also included three other PGA Golf Professionals.
The region is also filled with incredibly scenic courses. Portstewart Golf club is, according to McIlroy, “one of Northern Ireland’s hidden gems” with three 18-hole golf courses running along rocky shorelines, breathtaking strands and cascading rivers.
Julie Wakley, Tourism Ireland’s Head of Great Britain, said, “We are delighted to partner with Sky Sports Golf, to create these engaging films voiced by our own Darren Clarke. We’re delighted that The Open is returning to Northern Ireland this year, shining a spotlight on Royal Portrush, one of the most breathtaking and challenging courses in the world. In fact, the island of Ireland is a golfer’s paradise, with superb links and parkland courses in some spectacular locations.”
In addition to the short films about Northern Ireland and The Open, the campaign from Tourism Ireland also offers the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to The Open.
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