IRELAND/UAE. Spanish golfing star Jon Rahm captured the 2017 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open hosted by the Rory Foundation with a thrilling finish on Sunday at Portstewart Golf Club. Rahm shot a record final total of -24 to take the title by six shots.
It was Dubai Duty Free’s third year as the title sponsor of one of the European Tour’s premier events, and a crowd of over 20,000 flocked to the scenic links course to witness the competition’s conclusion. In total 92,534 people came to the tournament during the week, with tickets for the 18th grandstand sold out well in advance of the tournament. The event and the popularity of its winner provided an excellent showcase for the leading travel retailer and for Dubai as a destination.
Dubai Duty Free Executive Vice Chairman and CEO Colm McLoughlin said: “The golf course here at Portstewart provided an absolutely stunning backdrop and plenty of challenges to the competitors, which really added to the sense of occasion around the week. This has become such an important event due to the fact that it is one of just eight tournaments on the Rolex Series, meaning that it has a substantial prize fund of over US$7 million this year.
“The tournament has developed and grown since the Rory Foundation became involved and we took over the title sponsorship three years ago and it is now one of the European Tour’s most important events.”
Sunday concluded a full week of events at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open. As reported, one of the highlights was the magnificent Dubai Duty Free Arabian Nights Party that was held in the spa garden of The Galgorm Resort & Spa. Over 150 people (including The Moodie Davitt Report) attended the party at the Ballymena venue which was hosted by Colm McLoughlin and his wife Breeda. Guests included golfers Bradley Dredge, Rafa Cabrera Bello, Tommy Fleetwood, Ryder Cup Vice Captain Robert Karlsson, Gavin Moynihan, Paul McGinley and Irish rugby star Rob Kearney.
The theme of the night was ‘fire and water’, as the Maine river provided the backdrop to purpose-built teepees where guests enjoyed an Arabian themed BBQ. Entertainment included fire breathers, drummers and music by James Huish.
It was also announced on Sunday that the 2018 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open will be played in Ballyliffin Golf Club in Donegal. Colm McLoughlin said of the venue: “The setting is spectacular. It is home to two of Ireland’s best links courses and we know that the international visitors who will come to Donegal will really enjoy the scenery and the dramatic landscape.”
Popular tourist destinations in the local area have benefited from the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, said the company. Sights such as the Giant’s Causeway, The Titanic Centre, the Bushmills Distillery and the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge have all attracted more visitors than usual during the four-day event.
*The Moodie Davitt Report also took part in last Wednesday’s Pro-Am at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open. Click here for our coverage via The Moodie Blog.
