This week, in South Down, we are honoured and excited to welcome the Irish Open golf tournament to Newcastle. The Royal County Down Golf Club in Newcastle has the honour of hosting the Irish Open. The club was rated by 'Golf Digest' as the world's number-one course, and, just months ago, Northern Ireland was named the best golf destination in western Europe by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators. What better place to host the tournament than South Down, with the unrivalled backdrop

"where the Mountains o' Mourne sweep down to the sea"?

Some 80,000 fans are expected to descend on Newcastle for the event, with a potential global television audience of 400 million homes. The last time the club hosted the event, nine years ago, it was estimated that spectators and participants contributed £4·4million to the local economy, with 30% of visitors travelling from outside Northern Ireland.

There is great excitement throughout Newcastle and the Mournes with a memorable experience on offer to see some of the golfing world's most popular stars in action, including our home-grown favourites: Rory McIlroy, Tom McKibbin, Padraig Harrington, Shane Lowry and Séamus Power. It will be a huge event in Newcastle. I really welcome it and all that it brings to showcase our area and inspire the next generation of golfers. I wish the Royal County Down Golf Club every success in hosting the event and wish all competitors and spectators an enjoyable tournament.