Minister Hamilton welcomes Irish Open joy for Portstewart

Economy Minister Simon Hamilton has welcomed the announcement that Portstewart is to host the 2017 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.
The Irish Open Golf championship is coming to Portstewart next year.The Irish Open Golf championship is coming to Portstewart next year.
The Irish Open Golf championship is coming to Portstewart next year.

Economy Minister Simon Hamilton said: “I welcome today’s announcement that The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Hosted by the Rory Foundation is to be held at the Portstewart Golf Club.

“I want to ensure that the Irish Open benefits the local economy across the days of the tournament in Portstewart next July by showcasing the beautiful north coast area to the world.

“Both my Department, Tourism Northern Ireland, the Causeway Coast and Glens Council, Tourism Ireland and wider tourism industry will be working to deliver another sold out Dubai Duty Free Irish Open in July 2017.

“The success of events such as the Irish Open as well as our local golfers has helped boost our golf product. Northern Ireland has many world class courses including Lough Erne in County Fermanagh or Ardglass in County Down. I look forward to bringing world class golf events to every part of the country. Golf tourism has huge potential and we will be working to ensure it is fully harnessed.

“The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open has also been the catalyst for attracting the Open back to Portrush in 2019 and will provide a perfect build up to the excitement of that event in three years time.”