The IGTOA – Ireland Golf Tour Operator Association – has announced the hosting of the “2014 IGTOA Killeen House Trophy National Tournament” which will take place on Monday 14th and Tuesday 15th April 2014 on the Antrim Coast with a tournament on the “Dunluce Links Course” at Royal Portrush Golf Club.
Voted Number 12 in the world by Golf Magazine, the Dunluce Links course at Royal Portrush Golf Club is the only course in Ireland to have ever hosted The Open Championship. It was recently host venue to the 2012 Irish Open, which achieved record breaking attendance with 130,000 spectators and was the only event to ever sell out on the European Tour. The Dunluce Links Course is internationally renowned as one of the best and most challenging links golf courses in the world today. The event is sponsored by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Coleraine Borough Council and Bushmills Irish Whiskey.
The Northern Ireland Tourist Board was delighted to welcome this event to Northern Ireland for the first time. Alan Clarke, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board said: “I commend the Ireland Golf Tour Operator Association for bringing the 2014 Killeen House Trophy National Tournament to Royal Portrush Golf Club and Northern Ireland for the first time. The Northern Ireland Tourist Board is committed to growing golf tourism and providing quality experiences for all of our visitors to enjoy. Currently golf generates approximately £22.4 million per annum which represents a very rewarding market for Northern Ireland. Golf tourism has further huge potential and I am confident that working with key organisations such as IGTOA and its international operators can help to maximize marketing opportunities and enhance Northern Ireland’s reputation and growing international success as a great golf destination.”
Mayor of Coleraine, Councillor David Harding wished the IGTOA every success in the year ahead and went on to welcome the team to the Borough of Coleraine. “On behalf of Coleraine Borough Council and as one of the sponsors for 2014, I look forward to welcoming guests to this year’s event in Portrush.
“ Over the past few years, golf has continued to grow stronger with increased interest in the north coast from far away countries, as one of the world’s top locations to visit and play this unique sport. Council continues to look at ways of improving the health and well being of our residents and engaging in sporting activity is extremely important. The golf industry is a significant economic generator for the north coast and I am able to promote three championship courses within the Borough, attracting visitors to come and experience what the area has to offer. The Borough is no stranger to high profile events and I offer my congratulations to the IGTOA and I look forward to another great event in April.”
Speaking on the announcement of the event IGTOA Chairman Denis Kane said: “The IGTOA is delighted to announce the Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush Golf Club to be the 2014 venue for the ‘2014 IGTOA Killeen House Trophy National Tournament’. Royal Portrush Golf Club is home to two spectacular courses, with incredible history and we are very proud to partner with Royal Portrush Golf Club on this event. We also look forward to experiencing the famous Strand Course at Portstewart Golf Club and to enjoying some true Irish hospitality in the town of Portrush. This event is a great opportunity to showcase the wonderful golf tourism product on the AntrimCoast and we look forward to meeting our IGTOA colleagues in Portrush in April.”
The “2014 IGTOA Killeen House Trophy National Tournament” is supported by Sponsors and Event Partners Royal Portrush Golf Club, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Coleraine Borough Council, Bushmills Irish Whiskey, Portstewart Golf Club, Golf Digest Ireland, Golfing Magazine, Golfing Weekly, Skycaddie, Waterford Crystal, Aer Lingus, Hertz Ireland, McComb’s Executive Travel, The Bushmills Inn, Atlantic Hotel, Bar & Grill, Ramada Portrush and The Bayview Hotel.
IGTOA www.igtoa.com