Shane Lowry, the 2009 Irish Open champion, got as close as any cruise ship could get to Fota, to launch the countdown to the Irish Open, which will take place in Fota Island Resort from 19th – 22nd June 2014.
With four days of world-class competition involving 156 players, over 1,600 staff, a €2 million prize fund, and an expected attendance of around 100,000 spectators, Cork will play host to an unforgettable festival of golf this summer. Emirates is a sponsor for this year’s tournament.
But before the event gets underway next month, Lowry decided to test his skills over an altogether different golf course – on board the 962-foot-long Brilliance of the Seas cruise ship from Royal Caribbean International, which docked in Cobh for the day.
Lowry said: “It’s been a great buzz to board the Brilliance of the Seas and just appreciate the scale of these cruise ships. The Irish Open is an event close to my heart and I was delighted to come to Cork today to help promote the event with Captain Manolison and Mayor Noel O’Connor, as well as getting the chance of some early practice over the Fota Island course.”
The Irish Open offers great value with advance tickets priced at €30 for an Adult Day Ticket (€35 at gate) and €70 for Adult Season Tickets (€80 at gate). Under 16s are free of charge when accompanied by an adult.
Major champions Rory McIlroy, Padraig Harrington, Graeme McDowell and Darren Clarke, along with Lowry and European Ryder Cup Captain, Paul McGinley, will form part of an elite home challenge and the Irish contingent is expected to be on top form and hungry to add to its four Irish Championship titles on home turf since 1975.
