Business advisory firm, BDO Northern Ireland, has been unveiled as the latest big name sponsor of the NI Open, one of the UK and Ireland’s largest golfing festivals.
The agreement sees the Belfast-based firm join an all-star list of event supporters that includes prominent local and international brands, festival partner Ulster Bank and One Direction star Niall Horan’s Modest! Golf Management company.
Part of the European Challenge Tour’s international schedule, the popular NI Open is expected to draw a strong contingent of professional players and up to 40,000 visitors to Galgorm Castle, Ballymena between July 28-31.
BDO Northern Ireland is an award-winning accountancy practice that employs more than 170 people in Northern Ireland and provides professional services to more than 1,000 local companies. Brian Murphy, Partner at the firm said: “The NI Open is a great occasion for families, sports fans and business people. The sponsorship is a great fit for the event and helps cement our position as the accountancy firm for Northern Ireland. We both take great pride in our roots and are committed to helping local talent make their mark on the national and international stage.
“This is an exciting time for golf and commerce in Northern Ireland. Year-on-year the event has wowed global audiences with its compelling mix of top golf and an attractive region that is open for business. We believe this year will prove to be a landmark for the NI Open and are proud to be associated with the biggest event in the local golfing calendar.”
Last year, more than 39,000 people descended on Galgorm Castle and up to 500 million people watched international television highlights as France’s Clément Sordet was crowned the 2015 NI Open Champion.
Welcoming the BDO Northern Ireland sponsorship, NI Open Event Manager Ross Oliver said: “This is an important partnership that we hope will be the start of a long relationship with BDO Northern Ireland. Sponsorship deals like this allow the event to continue to grow, whilst attracting some of Europe’s most exciting golfers. The event has become a firm favourite on the European Challenge Tour’s international schedule because of the unique atmosphere created by our fantastic fans and high standards we set. The family festival element of the event has played an important role in bringing new supporters and partners to the sport.”
The 2016 NI Open will feature a new Interactive Zone, free golf lessons for all and a Kids Fun Area that will provide a range of activities to keep children of all ages happy.
The Northern Ireland Open takes place at Galgorm Castle from 28-31 July. The tournament is free to attend and tickets can be secured by registering online www.niopen.golf.
BDO Northern Ireland www.bdoni.com