Fota Island Resort was awash with sunshine, spectators and golfers as the 59th edition of the Irish Open Golf teed off. The event is part of the PGA European International Tour.
Emirates, as one of the sponsors, hosted the travel trade in its dedicated hospitality suite, and indeed it was First Class for all their invited guests. Country Manager Margaret Shannon was on hand to greet the guests and to make sure that the day was both memorable and enjoyable. She was ably assisted by her team of Anita Thomas and Stephen Davitt.
The host country was well represented by the top Irish professionals led by Rory McIlroy with Padraig Harrington, Darren Clarke , Shane Lowry, Graeme McDowell, Paul McGinley and Michael Hoey.
Defending champion Paul Casey was in fine form featuring on the leader board, led at the end of the day by Mikko Ilonen from Finland.
Emirates will fly double daily from Dublin to Dubai from 1st September, and onwards to more than 140 destinations worldwide.
Situated in the tented village was the Spanish Tourist Office/Andalucia booth promoting the region and the country to the large attendance of Irish golf fans.
