Ballyliffin Golf Club has been officially confirmed as the host of the 2018 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.
Ballyliffin was today confirmed as the host by European Tour CEO Keith Pelley at a press conference at the 2017 event in Portstewart.
The Inishowen club had been proactive in tendering for the right to stage one of the European Tour’s top events.
Last May, an official bid was tabled by the club and today their dream came true.
Club members were thrilled with the announcement and a big crowd of Ballyliffin officials were in attendance for today’s press conference.
Ballyliffin Golf Club members at today’s press conference
Next year’s event will be supported jointly by Donegal County Council and the Derry & Strabane District Council. Donegal County Council CEO Seamus Neely was among those present today.
The Glashedy Links has hosted the Irish Inter-provincial Championships in 2006, the European Tour, North West of Ireland Open in 2002 and the Ladies European Tour, Ladies Irish Open in 1998.The Old Links hosted the European Seniors Tour in June 2008 – The Irish Seniors Open.
The Glashedy Links has been tweaked recently for tournament play with 200 yards added to the front nine.
The Ballyliffin club leased extra land and Ballyliffin General Manager said his team was keen to land the Irish Open, which has an affiliation with Rory McIlroy’s foundation.
