NI Open organisers aiming to make tournament bigger after stunning success

Crowds of 8,369 came through the gates for the final day, giving an impressive total of just under 21,000 for the week, by far the biggest attendance on the Challenge Tour this season.

All week players heaped praise on the tournament, including established names such as Nick Dougherty and Oliver Wilson, who was beaten by Dutchman Daan Huizing in a thrilling play-off.

“This is the best Challenge Tour event I have played. Simple as that,” said Wilson.

“From the moment you drive in the gates here at Galgorm you just get the sense that there is an event on. Everything you would expect from a Tour event is here, from the tented village to hospitality and the most important thing of all – good crowds.”

Tournament ambassador Michael Hoey’s own playing interest was ended before the ‘cut’ but he said he would be delighted to be involved again in 2014 and believes if the scheduling works then next year’s event could attract an even stronger field.

“Obviously the Irish Open is a massive event.

It will be played down south again next year so there is no reason not to have another high profile event in Northern Ireland, two strong events to complement each other,” added the five-time European Tour winner, who believes the Galgorm showpiece has the potential to become a co-sanctioned event.

“If this event gets the right slot on the schedule there is the potential to attract players like Gareth Maybin, Peter Lawrie or Damien McGrane.

“Players like Simon Dyson and Robert Rock played the St Omer Open this year (the co-sanctioned event which Simon Thornton won), so potentially they are the type of players who could play here.”

“There could be a few weeks available after the Open, maybe the week of the Bridgestone Invitational.

“Obviously it would be difficult to get the likes of Rory (McIlroy) and Graeme (McDowell) but that could be a good time to play the event,” added Hoey.