Fota Island Resort to host 2014 Irish Open

The 2014 Irish Open will return to Cork for the first time in 12 years after confirmation that the magnificent Cork Golf Club at Fota Island Resort, which was recently purchased by Chinese investors The Kang Group Worldwide, will become an Official Sponsor as well as host venue of the Championship.

The Irish Open was last played on the challenging Deerpark parkland course at Fota Island in 2002 which saw Denmark’s Søren Hansen claim the title. The Resort also hosted the Championship in 2001, when Colin Montgomerie won the last of his three Irish Opens.  

A new collection of The European Tour’s established and rising stars, led by Rory McIlroy, will no doubt add a significant boost to the Cork and surrounding region. The number six golfer in the world and double Major Champion is looking forward to the challenge of Fota Island’s Deerpark championship Course from June 19th & 22nd.

“I think it is great news that the Irish Open will be played at Fota Island,” said McIlroy who ended his 2013 season with victory in the Emirates Australian Open last month.

“The country’s National Open should be moved around to give everyone an opportunity to see the event, and it also gives us the chance to show the world just how many amazing courses there are in Ireland.

“Fota Island will be an exciting venue for the Irish Open, and exactly the kind of place to showcase what Ireland has to offer as a golf destination.”

McIlroy’s views were heartily endorsed by other leading European Tour players, including Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley, who said: “I’m delighted that Fota Island is going to host the 2014 Irish Open. The players will love the golf course and everyone involved with the tournament will also enjoy the craic on offer in nearby Cork, Ireland’s second largest city.”

Following the announcement there is likely to be an increased demand for golf vacations in Ireland and in particular to the Cork region. It is anticipated that significant numbers of golf fans from around Ireland and Europe will be planning vacations to one of the leading golf hotels in Ireland. Advance tickets for the 2014 Irish Open are on sale now at a special promotional price of €25 for Adult Day Tickets and €50 for Adult Season Tickets (concessions €15 and €30).

A limited number of tickets at those promotional prices – saving up to €10 for a day pass and €20 for a season – on the gate prices are currently available on a first come first served basis. Golf fans are encouraged to apply now for tickets on www.europeantour.com/tickets or www.irishopen.ie.