Historic first for Galgorm with Irish Open set for September 2020

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Cllr Peter Johnston, has welcomed the announcement that the world class Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort will host the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open on the European Tour from September 24-27.

In a historic moment for Galgorm, it will be the first time the Ballymena venue has hosted the event, which moved into the date vacated by the rescheduling of The 2020 Ryder Cup to 2021.

The announcement was described as a ‘major vote of confidence in Mid and East Antrim’.

The Mayor continued: “This is a hugely significant announcement for Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort, and caps off a successful few weeks following their £2million investment in their award-winning facilities ahead of their reopening to guests.

“Galgorm is without doubt one of Northern Ireland’s finest courses and to be able to welcome the world’s biggest golfing heroes is a major vote of confidence in Mid and East Antrim as a whole.

“Our local tourism and hospitality industry is crucial to the economy of the entire borough and Council has been working closely to help businesses reopen safely and encourage people to #RediscoverMEA and the beauty on their doorsteps.

“Through our Hospitality and Tourism Task Force, we are committed to driving forward our recovery plan to offset the economic impact of the Covid-19 crisis, and build a sustainable and resilient local economy.

“I would like to assure Galgorm they have the full support of Council as they prepare to host the Irish Open next month, and congratulate them on this incredible achievement.”

Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort has hosted the Northern Ireland Open on the European Challenge Tour since 2013, including last year’s innovative tournament – the ISPS Handa World Invitational Men|Women presented by Modest! Golf Management.

The stunning venue will continue its involvement with the Challenge Tour by also hosting the Northern Ireland Open hosted by The R&A from September 3-6.

The Irish Open at Galgorm is the fourth time the tournament has been played in Northern Ireland since 2012 when Royal Portrush became the first course north of the Irish border to host the tournament since 1953.