Irish Open

Sean_pop

Does anyone know if a venue has been decided upon for the 2014 Irish Open or is it even on next year.

PARlance

Venue hasn't been decided yet (Fota and Carton are the two I've heard mentioned).
I think the date has changed from last year, think it's June 19th now.

Some positive news is that there are 3 spots available for The Open up for grabs
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/golf/24683159

Arsenium

Jun 19 - Jun 22. Still waiting for a venue according to the european tour site.

From another thread it seems it is between Carton and Fota.

Sean_pop

Cheers.

If its in Carton I will probably head to it. Fota seems a bit far away.

Sean_pop

PARlance wrote: »

Venue hasn't been decided yet (Fota and Carton are the two I've heard mentioned).
I think the date has changed from last year, think it's June 19th now.

Some positive news is that there are 3 spots available for The Open up for grabs
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/golf/24683159

You must be very good to be looking to play the Open.
What is your Handicap?

PARlance

Sean_pop wrote: »

You must be very good to be looking to play the Open.
What is your Handicap?

17....but I'm a good 17....



When I said good news re 3 spots being made available for The Open I was referring to this piece of the article in my post

"The European Tour's Irish, French and Scottish Opens will each offer three qualification places for golf's oldest major championship.
Despite winning the Irish Open two weeks before this year's Open Championship, Paul Casey did not qualify for the tournament at Muirfield.
The move to 72-hole qualifying is "fairer" for players, according to 1999 Open Champion Paul Lawrie, while two-time Open champion Padraig Harrington also welcomed the new series.
"I really do think it will attract more players to the Irish Open, especially those who are not already exempt for the Open Championship, and some quality players will be in that category," said Harrington.
"It's a nice boost for the European Tour from the R&A."

Sean_pop

Yeah that does make more sense. Agreed it should attract more high profile players who have not qualified for the Open. Big good to see.

Do you know if they have secured a long term sponsor for the Irish Open?

PARlance

Sean_pop wrote: »

Yeah that does make more sense. Agreed it should attract more high profile players who have not qualified for the Open. Big good to see.

Do you know if they have secured a long term sponsor for the Irish Open?

Nothing stirring on that front however there was talk that the Chinese owners of Fota may offer open more sponsorship opportunities with their connections.

Dbu

Sean_pop wrote: »

Cheers.

If its in Carton I will probably head to it. Fota seems a bit far away.

Not if your from Cork:D
Fota is a great spectator viewing course I have to say

John Divney

Bloody Carton again? It's about as unappealing for the camera and thus for tourism as it gets.

I was watching the Scottish open thinking, my God the Yanks will be loving this, the changing skys against the mountains in the distance, the water, the beach, links golf!.

We have great courses. need to sell the country, Carton does not do it.

Jimmymcnulty86

You on twitter?, follow Brian Keogh irishgolfdesk, great for Irish golf news nd was talking bout this subject earlier in the week. He'll prob have it up as soon as confirmed

Sean_pop

Even though it would be a long way for me to travel I would prefer it to be in Fota. Nothing like a course with trees. Inland links courses don't do it for me.

PARlance

John Divney wrote: »

Bloody Carton again? It's about as unappealing for the camera and thus for tourism as it gets.

I was watching the Scottish open thinking, my God the Yanks will be loving this, the changing skys against the mountains in the distance, the water, the beach, links golf!.

We have great courses. need to sell the country, Carton does not do it.

Sean_pop wrote: »

Even though it would be a long way for me to travel I would prefer it to be in Fota. Nothing like a course with trees. Inland links courses don't do it for me.

I was under the impression that it was this years open as well as next years was due to be played in Carton, but both were originally planned to be on the O'Meara...
It was switched to Monty this year as they hadn't finished work on the 1st and 18th of the O'Meara.
I agree with John, seeing it on Monty again would be a shame.
If it was on O'Meara, then I think it would be a match for Fota, there are a lot of holes on it that would look great on TV.

That said, the fact that there are now 3 qualifying spots for The (British) Open is another reason why The Irish Open needs to be on a proper links course (not Monty)...

It's the best way to sell the country, it's madness not to be using them.
The main issue seems to be crowds, and the inability for most of our links to cope with the numbers... surely they could think of some way of getting this to work. I'd still be happy to go down and support it even if I knew I didn't have full freedom to follow a group for 18 holes.

ssbob

IMO it should rotate over a number of our courses and shouldn't be only links courses, we need to sell the parklands here too. Why can't we see Mount Juliet, Fota, Druids Glen, K Club, Adare all tied in with the amazing links courses this country has to offer.

I know the funding isn't there but there was a stage when there was a WGC, Irish Open and European Open all taking place in Ireland.....

Sean_pop

It would be nice to see it in those courses. I don't mind really what course it is on as long as an Irish player wins this time round.

ShriekingSheet

As I understand it, the reality is there is not much in the way of fairness and equality of spreading the event to different courses and areas, nor is it down to which venue might 'sell' Ireland well on the international coverage. It's more down to which course is able to finance the package required to deliver the event. The investment is huge, and a club needs to either (a) back itself to break even, or (b) accept the loss as a kind of 'marketing' cost, in that they might make it back in the medium term on members and green fees.

There just aren't that many courses out there that can make that kind of punt. Take the older links courses for example, some of those that have the money and the course, but they don't quite have the infrastructure to get big crowds, and with their membership situation, they don't have scope for lots more greenfees or members.

Of the two seemingly in contention, while Fota was in Nama, it now has big money backing from China (a country with rising take up in the game, and far too few courses). They'd make a reasonable business case to drive tourism from their home country in.

Carton promotes itself as a resort, a base or camp for elite sports teams, a high end wedding venue, hotel and fairly thriving golf club. The two courses give them scope to do well with green fees and tourism, and the membership is busy but with room to grow. At a guess they're one of the small group making good money, and can justifiably invest as a marketing punt.

I could be wrong in this, but that's my view.

ssbob

ShriekingSheet wrote: »

As I understand it, the reality is there is not much in the way of fairness and equality of spreading the event to different courses and areas, nor is it down to which venue might 'sell' Ireland well on the international coverage. It's more down to which course is able to finance the package required to deliver the event. The investment is huge, and a club needs to either (a) back itself to break even, or (b) accept the loss as a kind of 'marketing' cost, in that they might make it back in the medium term on members and green fees.

There just aren't that many courses out there that can make that kind of punt. Take the older links courses for example, some of those that have the money and the course, but they don't quite have the infrastructure to get big crowds, and with their membership situation, they don't have scope for lots more greenfees or members.

Of the two seemingly in contention, while Fota was in Nama, it now has big money backing from China (a country with rising take up in the game, and far too few courses). They'd make a reasonable business case to drive tourism from their home country in.

Carton promotes itself as a resort, a base or camp for elite sports teams, a high end wedding venue, hotel and fairly thriving golf club. The two courses give them scope to do well with green fees and tourism, and the membership is busy but with room to grow. At a guess they're one of the small group making good money, and can justifiably invest as a marketing punt.

I could be wrong in this, but that's my view.

While I agree with your point, I do believe that having Failte Ireland involved then part of it has to be about selling the island of Ireland as a golfing destination.

bustercherry

It's amazing the amount of dung talked on here about promoting golf tourism, how the Monty looks on tv, selling the county etc...

What about the people who actually attend the Irish Open? I thought Carton was one of the best venues I've been at from spectator point of view (over Portrush, St Annes and Lytham just to name places that were a nightmare). It's layout allows you to follow golfers and/or move around the course easily. The practice range and putting green are accessible to the spectators. Transport links are excellent. I could go on....

Sure that doesn't matter to the real fans sitting at home watching it on the TV :rolleyes:

thewobbler

bustercherry wrote: »

It's amazing the amount of dung talked on here about promoting golf tourism, how the Monty looks on tv, selling the county etc...

What about the people who actually attend the Irish Open? I thought Carton was one of the best venues I've been at from spectator point of view (over Portrush, St Annes and Lytham just to name places that were a nightmare). It's layout allows you to follow golfers and/or move around the course easily. The practice range and putting green are accessible to the spectators. Transport links are excellent. I could go on....

Sure that doesn't matter to the real fans sitting at home watching it on the TV :rolleyes:

Based on your logic, the Open Championship should never be held in Scotland again, for it's at least 5 hours away for the majority of UK citizens.

From my own perspective, I've got two bucket list courses in Scotland: Loch Lomond and Castle Stuart. People can harp on about the Open rota courses all they like, but not one of them has ever struck me visually like this pair.

And if it wasn't for the Scottish Open, I'd be none the wiser (and a whole lot less likely to visit Scotland).

The Irish Open is struggling both for sponsorship and big name players. The very least it can do to earn its government sponsorship is act as a tourism vehicle.

Arsenium

bustercherry wrote: »

It's amazing the amount of dung talked on here about promoting golf tourism, how the Monty looks on tv, selling the county etc...

What about the people who actually attend the Irish Open? I thought Carton was one of the best venues I've been at from spectator point of view (over Portrush, St Annes and Lytham just to name places that were a nightmare). It's layout allows you to follow golfers and/or move around the course easily. The practice range and putting green are accessible to the spectators. Transport links are excellent. I could go on....

Sure that doesn't matter to the real fans sitting at home watching it on the TV :rolleyes:

I've had that very message drafted in my head loads of times over the past few days but never got around to posting it. Ok "dung" might not be the way that I'd have phrased it but I agree with your point :P

From the car park on the way in you had full viewing access of the driving range and practice green. Getting in and out was a breeze and as you say you could follow any group in comfort. Even the tenner for a beer and a burger was acceptable !!

I'd love to see it back at Carton. And to be fair I dont agree with a lot of the bashing of the Monty course in general. I like it and I enjoy playing it (on the few times I have). Then again it's just my own preference.

superhooper

It would seem to me that like most decisions a balance must be found. How it would look on TV is important to many including The Tour itself, sponsors(Failte Ireland), and even to the TV companies who won't want to be televising some dump. I have been told (from former Tour employee) that the greatest weighting would be put on how much the Club can come up with cash wise.

Personally I hope it goes to Fota as I wouldn't have to travel too far. Fota is on Cork's major road network and has its own train station. Maybe they could organise trains directly from Dublin.

PAULWATSON

bustercherry wrote: »

What about the people who actually attend the Irish Open? I thought Carton was one of the best venues I've been at from spectator point of view (over Portrush, St Annes and Lytham just to name places that were a nightmare). It's layout allows you to follow golfers and/or move around the course easily. The practice range and putting green are accessible to the spectators. Transport links are excellent. I could go on....

Sure that doesn't matter to the real fans sitting at home watching it on the TV :rolleyes:

You are right, however at the last Irish Open, only people with badges were allowed to the putting green. My favourite place to watch decent players practice.


In general at all major events, concerts, sports, whatever, the "masses" are treated like scum to be fleeced. Go to the ladies irish open golf and observe the difference in attitude. Great event if the weather is good.

FixdePitchmark

PAULWATSON wrote: »

You are right, however at the last Irish Open, only people with badges were allowed to the putting green. My favourite place to watch decent players practice.


In general at all major events, concerts, sports, whatever, the "masses" are treated like scum to be fleeced. Go to the ladies irish open golf and observe the difference in attitude. Great event if the weather is good.

I think it was a great venue for spectators.

But agree prices inside were a disgrace. Food and drink etc.

PAULWATSON

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

I think it was a great venue for spectators.

But agree prices inside were a disgrace. Food and drink etc.

Think I paid €15 for two burgers and two cans. Seen a few people in the Hugo Boss lorry, good luck!

FixdePitchmark

PAULWATSON wrote: »

Think I paid €15 for two burgers and two cans. Seen a few people in the Hugo Boss lorry, good luck!

I paid more than that out on course. Over 20 euro for 2 burgers and 2 drinks.

PAULWATSON

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

I paid more than that out on course. Over 20 euro for 2 burgers and 2 drinks.

Shocking.

Good event, with 90% of the crowd following McIlroy you can get a decent look at the other players, less chance of getting a belt from a flying nike club as well!

Sean_pop

PAULWATSON wrote: »

Think I paid €15 for two burgers and two cans. Seen a few people in the Hugo Boss lorry, good luck!

Hugo Boss lorry was some rob.

I went to it last year on the Friday and there was a bit of sun out so we decided to have a look for some sunglasses. The cheapest pair in Hugo Boss was €175.

Dbu

Looks like Fota Lads, welcome to Cork :-)

http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/fota-closes-in-on-irish-open-252197.html

Sean_pop

Should be fun. must get a round down there before the Irish Open!!

Arsenium

Dbu wrote: »

Looks like Fota Lads, welcome to Cork :-)

http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/fota-closes-in-on-irish-open-252197.html

Bah Humbug

Dbu

Arsenium wrote: »

Bah Humbug

not if your from Cork:D

Arsenium

Dbu wrote: »

not if your from Cork:D

Exactly. Carton is less than an hour from me boo hoo !!

unattendedbag

Looks like we'll charter a board's train from heuston.

Dossy

Dbu wrote: »

Looks like Fota Lads, welcome to Cork :-)

http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/fota-closes-in-on-irish-open-252197.html

Thats the job 10min spin

TrapperChamonix

bustercherry wrote: »

It's amazing the amount of dung talked on here about promoting golf tourism, how the Monty looks on tv, selling the county etc...

What about the people who actually attend the Irish Open? I thought Carton was one of the best venues I've been at from spectator point of view (over Portrush, St Annes and Lytham just to name places that were a nightmare). It's layout allows you to follow golfers and/or move around the course easily. The practice range and putting green are accessible to the spectators. Transport links are excellent. I could go on....

Sure that doesn't matter to the real fans sitting at home watching it on the TV :rolleyes:

The wider issue I believe is the lack of imagination that the European Tour have shown in the preceding decades. Having the Irish / Scotish/ English Opens on parkland courses means they have no added attraction over and above a tournament anywhere else. Therefore the money that has to be paid to top ranked players to turn up is a bidding contest with the PGA Tour. Had the European Tour put in a Links swing (similar to tennis Clay Court season) prior to the British Open, it could have made a much more valuable commodity to be sold on TV

Having written that, I'm not sure what it has to do with the point you have made:D:confused:

Dossy

They should have it on in Doonbeg :P
If it wasnt so far away it would be ideal

fullstop

Sean_pop wrote: »

Hugo Boss lorry was some rob.

I went to it last year on the Friday and there was a bit of sun out so we decided to have a look for some sunglasses. The cheapest pair in Hugo Boss was €175.

Was it your first time in a Hugo Boss shop?? Designer gear costs money...a lot of it!

unattendedbag

If Im not mistaken I believe that's why Phil Mickelson played the Scottish open, to get links practice a week before the open. And he managed to win both. If the Irish Open was a little closer to the Open championship then they could attract a great line up by holding it on the likes of portmarnock or one of the other links courses. The top players will want the links practice.

benny79

Yea but that would make sense!

Ronney

Just wondering which of our top Links Courses could actually hold an Open (infrastructure etc?)

Baltray, Ballybunnion and Portrush, Portmarnock have hosted it in the past?

Great to see us having a Links rotation similar to "The Open"

the greatest game

I think its going to be Fota .

big_drive

Any date been fixed for an official announcement?

Sean_pop

fullstop wrote: »

Was it your first time in a Hugo Boss shop?? Designer gear costs money...a lot of it!

I have been in designer shops like that before but designer gear or not it is still over priced.

superhooper

http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/irish-open-on-course-for-title-sponsor-252905.html

Things on the up for the Irish Open!!

Wichita Lineman

Fota it is, realistically I probably wont go now but I did enjoy the experience very much at Carton House. So, I might be tempted to do the long drive if the weather looks like it's going to be even half decent closer to the time.

bustercherry

Andy Dunne11 wrote: »

Fota it is, realistically I probably wont go now but I did enjoy the experience very much at Carton House. So, I might be tempted to do the long drive if the weather looks like it's going to be even half decent closer to the time.

Have to agree, realistically it requires staying over and plenty of cheap flights for better European events if I was going to hit a tour event. Certainly I think it would be similar cost to hit hoylake for the open. Nice course though and it's always good to watch golf on tv when you have played the course too

Arsenium

Andy Dunne11 wrote: »

Fota it is, realistically I probably wont go now but I did enjoy the experience very much at Carton House. So, I might be tempted to do the long drive if the weather looks like it's going to be even half decent closer to the time.

I was thinking along those lines aswell Andy but I think I will go. If the Celtic Tiger left us one good thing it's a decent road network. I won't stay over though. Just a case of getting up early enough to get value out of the day and biting the bullet in relation to the long drive home. I presume it will be like last year and pay at the gate. I had booked tickets in advance and they were about a tenner or so cheaper I think.

FixdePitchmark

Andy Dunne11 wrote: »

Fota it is, realistically I probably wont go now but I did enjoy the experience very much at Carton House. So, I might be tempted to do the long drive if the weather looks like it's going to be even half decent closer to the time.

Yes - bad move putting it in Cork. Honest opinion.

Will be empty on Thursday and Friday.

Carton was the place for it (IMO).

superhooper

Arsenium wrote: »

I was thinking along those lines aswell Andy but I think I will go. If the Celtic Tiger left us one good thing it's a decent road network. I won't stay over though. Just a case of getting up early enough to get value out of the day and biting the bullet in relation to the long drive home. I presume it will be like last year and pay at the gate. I had booked tickets in advance and they were about a tenner or so cheaper I think.

I'd imagine Irish Rail will put on special trains to go right to the door(well backdoor) of the course. They normally put on additional trains if Cruise Ships are in Cobh etc..Depends on where you are I guess but if coming from Dublin direction it would seem to be the best option especially if you want to have a pint.

slingerz

Delighted its in Fota, will definitely be getting to a day of it there now.

burnhardlanger

This is great news.

I remember the first one in 2001. We got the train down and walked in.
It was my first time seeing professionals in the flesh.

We approached the fifth tee and quietly watched Thomas Bjorn nonchalantly hit a beautiful draw with one of the old orange Taylor Made three woods. Class.