One of the most innovative events in world golf comes to Galgorm and Massereene
21 July 2022: Northern Ireland will give a giant welcome to some of the best male and female golfers in the world as the ISPS HANDA World Invitational presented by Modest! Golf Management returns from August 11-14.
Hundreds of millions of global TV viewers will watch as the tournament takes place simultaneously at Galgorm Castle and Massereene Golf Club.
This event is at the forefront of innovation in golf and sport with men and women playing the same golf courses, at the same time for equal prize funds of US $1.5million each.
Featuring two separate tournaments with 132 men and 132 women, audiences around the world will watch golfing greats and rising stars compete in Northern Ireland, including Irish LPGA and Solheim Cup star Leona Maguire, 2019 winner and homegrown hero Stephanie Meadow plus Tom McKibbin, who is enjoying a strong year in his full season as a professional. The tournament will also host the G4D Tour, which brings together the world’s best golfers with disabilities, including World Disability Invitational Tournament Ambassador Brendan Lawlor.
Tickets are available for the public to purchase now for the Pro-Am and four tournament days.
Northern Ireland is ‘Made for Golf’ and ahead of the tournament Tourism Northern Ireland and Galgorm Castle hosted an exclusive media event for journalists from here and the Republic of Ireland.
The media learned more about the ISPS HANDA World Invitational as well as Northern Ireland’s world-renowned courses such as Royal Portrush, which will once again host The Open Championship when the world’s best golfers compete for the Claret Jug in 2025.
Journalists all enjoyed a few holes with emerging Northern Ireland professional, Olivia Mehaffey who will be participating in August.
Tourism Northern Ireland Golf Marketing Manager, George Diamondis described the ISPS HANDA World Invitational as a phenomenal opportunity to showcase to the world that Northern Ireland is ‘Made for Golf’.
He said: “We are proud to be the host destination again this year and with significant investment from key sponsors ISPS HANDA, DP World Tour and LPGA, our partnership highlights Northern Ireland’s position as a world-class golf destination.
“Major events, such as this, can play a huge role in the recovery of our economy after the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. With a global audience of 640 million in 2021, we look forward to seeing the international and local excitement around this year’s event and the positive impact that such a renowned tournament has on our wider tourism industry.”
Gary Henry, Galgorm Castle Managing Director, said he is delighted that Northern Ireland is hosting the ISPS HANDA World Invitational once again.
“This tournament provides a unique opportunity for golf fans to see some of the world’s best male and female golfers in action. In turn, tournaments such as this help increase interest in the sport locally as we reach new audiences,” said Henry.
Mehaffey enjoyed a great tournament at the 2021 ISPS HANDA World Invitational where the 24-year-old tied 17th on eight-under in front of the home fans.
“Playing in ISPS HANDA World Invitational last year was one of the highlights in my career so far. I loved competing with all my family and friends watching and in front of great crowds,” said Mehaffey.
“To have an event on home soil is very special to me. Galgorm and Massereene are two great venues and I love getting the opportunity to compete back home in Northern Ireland.”
Whether you’re seeking a championship experience, dramatically scenic settings, links or parkland, or simply idyllic tranquillity, Northern Ireland has it all.
With 90 diverse courses, each a unique gem, Northern Ireland has earned a great reputation as a world class place to visit with your golf clubs. As Northern Ireland is so compact, visitors from near and far can easily build their dream itinerary of golf courses to play.
As a tri-sanctioned event between the DP World Tour, LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour, the ISPS HANDA World Invitational is sure to be one of the most exciting tournaments in world golf this year. In addition, attendees will get the opportunity to watch international superstar Niall Horan return to County Antrim to take part in the event’s Pro-Am on Wednesday August 10, as well as Olympian Greg O’Shea, Blizzards singer Bressie, comedian Rory O’Connor (Rory’s Stories), former Cork GAA footballer Valerie Mulcahy and Ireland international hockey player Nicci Daly.
To purchase tickets for the Pro-Am and all four tournament days with a season ticket available for all five days of action at Galgorm Castle and Massereene Golf Clubs, visit https://www.worldinvitational.golf/tickets/.
To learn about Northern Ireland’s world-class courses, local golf champions and future tournaments, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/golf.