Latest news with #CoAntrim
Belfast Telegraph
5 days ago
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
Why two headliners could be absent from the starting grid at this year's Armoy Road Races
The hard-working Armoy Club have secured a high class line-up for the popular Co Antrim meeting, including Yorkshireman Jamie Coward, Manx racer Conor Cummins, North West 200 winner Paul Jordan, leading national road racing exponent Michael Sweeney and last year's runner-up Phil Crowe.
Irish Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
‘We're now in the golden years of Portrush': Why golf's Open has the town smiling all over again
At Royal Portrush Golf Club this week, everyone is smiling. They are smiling in the clubhouse, where members are enjoying the excitement of hosting one of the world's most prestigious sporting competitions, the Open Championship , one of golf's four Majors, and there is relief that months of careful preparation have paid off. They are also smiling out on the course, where about 270,000 spectators have come from around the world to watch – and maybe even meet – their sporting idols. And those who are totting up the financial benefit of Open week – estimated at hundreds of millions of pounds – are certainly smiling. READ MORE But the broadest smile of all is from 10-year-old Eoin Corrigan, who waves a bright yellow replica of the flag on the 18th hole covered with autographs. 'We saw Rory McIlroy ,' he says. 'He's the world's best golfer, and he's here. We saw him.' From Trillick, Co Tyrone, and a member of Bundoran Golf Club in Co Donegal, Eoin is inspired by McIlroy's success. 'He's in the top two in the world, and he's from two hours up the road.' Co Down's McIlroy was always going to be one of the stars of this tournament; his success in the US Masters this year – making him one of only six people to win a career Grand Slam, winning all four golf Majors – ensured the expectation would be off the scale. In the Co Antrim town of Portrush, McIlroy is, quite simply, everywhere; a mural of his face made of sprinkles adorns the wall of the ice cream parlour, Morelli's. Golf enthusiast John McNally was lucky enough to catch McIlroy in action on one of the practice days earlier this week. 'Rory birdied the 17th, and then played the 18th ... Rory managed to hold his and get his birdie three,' he says. He takes out his phone to play a video of McIlroy surrounded by young fans. John McNally: 'Golf will help our next generation to feel more proud of where they come from.' Photograph: Freya McClements For months, McNally has watched the infrastructure of the Open take shape from his home just across the road. The founder and vice chair of the Portrush Heritage Group – and a club member at Portrush – he is in no doubt about the sport's significance to the town. 'Golf has always been the golden ticket for Portrush,' he says. 'Golf is in the blood. It's been part of the development of Portrush going back to that [Victorian] era, and the level at which Portrush is now experiencing exposure since the return of the Open is unprecedented.' This has brought its advantages. 'If you compare Portrush with other towns, and you look at where we are in terms of development and investment and everything, we're pretty much up in the championship league,' McNally says. It is easy to see how Portrush has expanded since the course last staged the Open in 2019 when Co Offaly golfer Shane Lowry won. There are new restaurants and new places to stay, including new luxury hotels, and others have been refurbished to cater to the golf market. This has brought benefits, but also challenges. 'The level at which Portrush is now experiencing exposure since the return of the Open is unprecedented,' McNally says. Property has become more expensive, meaning people who were born and raised in the area are unable to afford a home and are leaving for other towns instead. 'They need to get affordable social housing in Portrush as a priority,' McNally says, as is transportation. 'We can't go on just blindly creating hotels and apartment blocks and not work out a plan for parking.' But, he says, 'whether we like it or not, it's going to be a bucket-list destination for as long as we're able to come and play golf in Portrush. 'I think the golf will help our next generation to feel more proud of where they come from, and that will effectively secure a good future for Portrush. 'We're now in the golden years, I believe, of Portrush.' More people agree. Last year 30,000 international visitors came from overseas to play golf on Northern courses according to Tourism NI. The value of golf tourism overall was worth a record £86 million (€99 million) in 2024, it said. 'From a golf perspective, we have seen the amount of money being spent by golfers coming to Northern Ireland increase by 66 per cent since 2019, and the Open has played a very significant part in that,' John McGrillen, chief executive of Tourism NI, says. There has also been a 'very significant uplift and investment' in the accommodation sector thanks to the Open, estimated at about £100 million in either acquisitions or investment in new properties. I have no doubt that in the not-too-distant future the Open will take place in Portmarnock — John McGrillen, chief executive of Tourism NI Sheffield Hallam University has predicted that the Open week is worth £213 million to Northern Ireland, made up of £63 million direct economic spend and a marketing boost worth £150m. 'I wouldn't underestimate the other benefits that we get from being able to promote Northern Ireland positively in the international marketplace,' McGrillen says. 'All Tourism Ireland's research would suggest that the key motivator for people to come to the island of Ireland is the landscape, so this is a huge opportunity to show off some of our greatest pieces of landscape to a global audience.' This gives a boost on both sides of the Border. 'When we're out selling golf in the international marketplace, we sell it as the island of Ireland ... it makes it a stronger offer all round, so it's to our interest to do it collectively,' he says. 'The people who are here to watch the Open, I was talking to guys yesterday who have just come from Portmarnock [in Co Dublin] and are heading to Donegal afterwards. 'The whole of the island benefits from this, in the same way that we will all benefit from the Ryder Cup being hosted in Adare in two years' time.' He is one of many this week who have spoken confidently about a potential first hosting of the Open south of the Border. 'Looking at it from an all-island perspective, the success in the north will ultimately benefit the south, because I have no doubt that at some point in the not-too-distant future the Open will take place in Portmarnock,' McGrillen says. This is for the future; for the meantime there is still golf to be played at Royal Portrush and business to be done in the town. Maggie Sutherland owns Memento gift shop in the centre of Portrush. 'The Open coming in 2019, there's no getting away from it, it had a big impact,' she says. Maggie Sutherland, right, owner of Memento gift shop in Portrush, with colleague Patricia Quigley. Photograph: Freya McClements 'There was a lot of environmental work and improvements done, and a lot of positivity. It's just really nice for your small town to hear it on the international media.' As in 2019, some traders have been sceptical about the boost to business in Portrush itself; one change which was welcomed was decision to allow spectators to re-enter the course after leaving. This boosted footfall in the town and helped retailers. 'In the medium to longer term, it's only good for Portrush,' Sutherland says. 'In the short term, sure, there's disruption, you don't get your local people coming in as much because they think it's all golfers.' Others agree, including local volunteer on the course, David Hanna. 'This is massive for Portrush, and it's not just this week,' he says. Volunteer David Hanna at Royal Portrush. Photograph: Freya McClements 'Virtually every family is involved – everybody knows somebody who's working or volunteering at the Open. It helps the economy, it helps Portrush.' In 2019, many reflected on how a major international event such as the Open would once have been unthinkable in Northern Ireland, and saw its return to the North for the first time since the Troubles as evidence of how times had changed. Now, in 2025, times have changed again. The Open is not an all-but-impossible dream, but a reality – and why shouldn't it be? Naoimh Quigg, lady captain at Royal Portrush and a former captain of the Irish women's golf team, says: 'I know economically it's fantastic, but, mentally, I think it's worth more for us here than we know.' To have an 'event of this magnitude' shows 'how far we've come', she says. 'We can host a truly world-class event and we can present ourselves to the world in a positive way,' she says. 'And everybody here – they're so appreciative of the golf and of being here and having the event. Everybody's just smiling.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Open golf has put Portrush on the map, say proud locals
The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush is putting the Co Antrim town on the global map, delighted locals have said. Tens of thousands of people turned out for day two of the tournament, with some of the biggest crowds cheering for local hero Rory McIlroy as well as Dubliner Shane Lowry who scooped the Claret Jug the last time the Open came to Portrush in 2019. Almost 280,000 fans snapped up tickets for the Open, with many also enjoying the expansive beaches and hospitality despite the inclement weather. Broadcaster Alan Simpson said it is a phenomenon. 'It's the biggest sporting event ever in Ireland, and it's being held in the tiniest corner of the north west of Northern Ireland,' he said. 'It's putting Portrush on the map right across the world, I'm getting emails and messages from Canada, from China, Japan, all over the world, people saying, 'I didn't realise your beaches were so golden', they're not really talking about the golf, they're talking about the beaches and the view. 'You couldn't pay for this publicity, you just couldn't. 'The other good thing is you see the golfers socialising in Portrush, they come in, I chatted to Ricky Fowler and Patrick Cantlay the other evening just sitting having a meal. No one hassles them, it's that very Northern Ireland thing is welcoming. 'Portrush has now become a 12 months of the year destination, we've got Curry's (funfair), which has regenerated all of Portrush and more families coming. You see grandfathers, sons, daughters, grandkids, there is so much to do. 'We all know about the golf, it sells itself but we've got the beaches and the surf, and new hotels. 'I call it Portmagic and it is Portmagic at the minute because people around the world are seeing a wonderful postcard of our peninsula.' Lauren Mullikin from Indiana was enjoying the golf with family, described the local scenery as beautiful. 'My dad has always wanted to go to the Open, and we took a family trip to Ireland in 1998, so he thought it would be a great time to get us all together – my sister lives in Germany – for his 70th birthday and celebrate,' she said. 'Portrush is beautiful, it's been so much fun, and everybody is so friendly and nice to talk to. 'We've done Shannon and Galway before but we have not been here before. 'The memories I will take away are spending time with my son, introducing him to golf, he's very interested in the idea of golf but doesn't really want to play it, and there was no way he was going to stand at the Open and watch it peacefully, so we had fun in Portrush. 'We're going to remember this forever, him exploring and doing a whole bunch of things that he's normally really scared of doing.' Eleanor Tunn and Sandy Sutherland, from the Scottish Highlands, took in two practice days as well as the first day of play on Thursday. 'We've been staying in the glamping village, just a stone's throw from the golf course but of course coming into the town as well, and trying a few bars,' Ms Tunn said. 'We're both really keen golfers, we went to Troon last year, and St Andrew's a couple of years ago. 'I'd never been to Ireland before so I wanted to tick that off my list … we've already said we fancy a golf trip here.' Mr Sutherland added: 'Where we're staying, you can look over the course, it's beautiful, it's one of the most scenic courses I've ever seen, stunning. 'The Open hasn't been in Ireland a lot so we thought we'd come, only the second time in 50 years. 'Seeing Rory in a home course was pretty cool as well after winning the Masters.' Denver Smith and his son, Matthew, from Dungannon, were cheering on both Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke. 'We've a keen interest in the golf, Darren Clarke and, obviously, Rory, it's good to see the boys doing well and hopefully Darren will make the cut for the weekend and will thrive,' Denver said. 'We need another winner from Ireland, and hopefully this time it will be from the north of Ireland.' Matthew said they had also been to Portrush when it hosted the Open in 2019, and said it was much busier this time. 'The town is much busier, and even the course is busier, more people about,' he said.
The Independent
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Open golf has put Portrush on the map, say proud locals
The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush is putting the Co Antrim town on the global map, delighted locals have said. Tens of thousands of people turned out for day two of the tournament, with some of the biggest crowds cheering for local hero Rory McIlroy as well as Dubliner Shane Lowry who scooped the Claret Jug the last time the Open came to Portrush in 2019. Almost 280,000 fans snapped up tickets for the Open, with many also enjoying the expansive beaches and hospitality despite the inclement weather. Broadcaster Alan Simpson said it is a phenomenon. 'It's the biggest sporting event ever in Ireland, and it's being held in the tiniest corner of the north west of Northern Ireland,' he said. 'It's putting Portrush on the map right across the world, I'm getting emails and messages from Canada, from China, Japan, all over the world, people saying, 'I didn't realise your beaches were so golden', they're not really talking about the golf, they're talking about the beaches and the view. 'You couldn't pay for this publicity, you just couldn't. 'The other good thing is you see the golfers socialising in Portrush, they come in, I chatted to Ricky Fowler and Patrick Cantlay the other evening just sitting having a meal. No one hassles them, it's that very Northern Ireland thing is welcoming. 'Portrush has now become a 12 months of the year destination, we've got Curry's (funfair), which has regenerated all of Portrush and more families coming. You see grandfathers, sons, daughters, grandkids, there is so much to do. 'We all know about the golf, it sells itself but we've got the beaches and the surf, and new hotels. 'I call it Portmagic and it is Portmagic at the minute because people around the world are seeing a wonderful postcard of our peninsula.' Lauren Mullikin from Indiana was enjoying the golf with family, described the local scenery as beautiful. 'My dad has always wanted to go to the Open, and we took a family trip to Ireland in 1998, so he thought it would be a great time to get us all together – my sister lives in Germany – for his 70th birthday and celebrate,' she said. 'Portrush is beautiful, it's been so much fun, and everybody is so friendly and nice to talk to. 'We've done Shannon and Galway before but we have not been here before. 'The memories I will take away are spending time with my son, introducing him to golf, he's very interested in the idea of golf but doesn't really want to play it, and there was no way he was going to stand at the Open and watch it peacefully, so we had fun in Portrush. 'We're going to remember this forever, him exploring and doing a whole bunch of things that he's normally really scared of doing.' Eleanor Tunn and Sandy Sutherland, from the Scottish Highlands, took in two practice days as well as the first day of play on Thursday. 'We've been staying in the glamping village, just a stone's throw from the golf course but of course coming into the town as well, and trying a few bars,' Ms Tunn said. 'We're both really keen golfers, we went to Troon last year, and St Andrew's a couple of years ago. 'I'd never been to Ireland before so I wanted to tick that off my list … we've already said we fancy a golf trip here.' Mr Sutherland added: 'Where we're staying, you can look over the course, it's beautiful, it's one of the most scenic courses I've ever seen, stunning. 'The Open hasn't been in Ireland a lot so we thought we'd come, only the second time in 50 years. 'Seeing Rory in a home course was pretty cool as well after winning the Masters.' Denver Smith and his son, Matthew, from Dungannon, were cheering on both Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke. 'We've a keen interest in the golf, Darren Clarke and, obviously, Rory, it's good to see the boys doing well and hopefully Darren will make the cut for the weekend and will thrive,' Denver said. 'We need another winner from Ireland, and hopefully this time it will be from the north of Ireland.' Matthew said they had also been to Portrush when it hosted the Open in 2019, and said it was much busier this time. 'The town is much busier, and even the course is busier, more people about,' he said.
Times
7 days ago
- Climate
- Times
The Open leaderboard 2025 live: scores, updates from round 2 at Portrush
The Englishman has never won a major, but had an excellent round yesterday, with his wife Helen on his bag guiding him round Royal Portrush. He holds the unenviable record of most major appearances without a win, on 92. But yesterday he shot two under, and gets his second round under way at 1.15pm. Read Stuart Fraser's full piece on Westwood's pursuit to shed the nearly man tag. It looks as though it'll be a bit brighter in Co Antrim today, but there's still some rain around and southerly breezes of about 12mph, according to the Met Office. The later groups will probably need their brollies, with darkening skies and higher chances of rain. Of course, one of the key features of playing at Portrush is the ability to adapt to the changeable conditions. While some of the world's best players were losing their cool at Royal Portrush yesterday, Sadom Kaewkanjana, the Thai world No262 stayed calm and sunk a 63ft putt at the ominous Calamity Corner to sit one off the lead. Read Tom Kershaw's full story here. Hello and welcome along to the Times' live coverage of round two of the Open at Royal Portrush. It was an intriguing day yesterday, with the Co Antrim weather and a notoriously difficult course combining to create tough conditions which more than tested the world's best. The top of the leaderboard makes for an eclectic list of names, with five players, including England's Matt Fitzpatrick, holding the clubhouse lead at four under after the first one. Tyrrell Hatton and Matthew Jordan, two more Englishmen, are three under, while the home favourite Rory McIlroy shot one under after a topsy turvy round. The 2019 winner here Shane Lowry is also on one under. Stay tuned for all the latest updates and analysis from our team of writers on the course at Royal Portrush.
