Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 10, 2024 3:18 pm GMT
Irish Open Golf Tournament Kicks Off in Newcastle This Weekend
This weekend, thousands of golf fans will flock to the scenic coastal town of Newcastle, County Down, for the highly anticipated Amgen Irish Open. Hosted at the prestigious Royal County Down Golf Club, the tournament runs from Thursday through Sunday and promises to showcase world-class golf and the breathtaking backdrop of the Mourne Mountains. Fans are eager to watch top competitors, including Rory McIlroy, but local businesses are concerned about the potential impact on their weekend trade.
Local Businesses Brace for Busy but Uncertain Weekend
Optimism Amid Uncertainty
While the excitement of the Irish Open is palpable, many local businesses are unsure how much of that excitement will translate into customers. Nicola Stevenson, owner of the Avoca Hotel, expressed hope for a bustling evening crowd after the tournament. “We’ve a lot of business from golfers coming here from all over the world, but we’re worried that they’ll stay at the golf course during the day,” she said. “We hope they’ll filter into the town in the evenings.”
Challenges for Local Cafés and Retail
Similarly, Dana Small, from the Shimna Café, shared her concerns. “We are hoping to see the golf crowd, but it’s hard to predict where they will go,” she stated. “They might bypass us and go straight to the course.” Local retail businesses are apprehensive as well. Joanne McAleese from Wadsworth’s Clothing noted that last year’s tournament did not significantly boost local sales, as many fans headed directly to the course. “You can always hope for some trade, but they tend to leave after the tournament,” she said.
Council Initiatives to Attract Visitors
In response to concerns from local businesses, the Newry, Mourne, and Down Council has organized various events to engage visitors in the town. “We are running a fringe event from Friday through Sunday, which includes pop-up street food, art golf, and activities on the promenade,” said Michelle Boyle, head of tourism. “A big screen will be set up for people to watch live golf, and over 20 local businesses are offering golf-themed dishes and drinks.” This initiative aims to draw tournament-goers into Newcastle, despite the parking challenges that may deter some.
Preparation in Full Swing Along the Seafront
Beautifying the Town for the Tournament
Staff from the local council were spotted working along the seafront, tidying up and beautifying the area in anticipation of the influx of visitors. “We’re doing our best to make the promenade look good,” said council worker Cathal McKibbon. His colleague, Alan Barbour, added jokingly, “We’re trying to emulate the Royal County Down fairways and greens, but I’m not sure we’ll reach that standard!”
Community Response
Local residents have mixed feelings about the anticipated busyness. Aisling Doran, a new mother, conveyed her hesitation about navigating the crowded areas this weekend. “We walk here a few times a week, but with the tournament, it might be too busy for us,” she said, indicating the challenges of parking during the event.
Visitors Share Their Excitement for the Irish Open
Traveling from Afar
Even amidst concerns from the local community, visitors have traveled significant distances to witness the tournament firsthand. Ted and Julie Choja, from Canada, made the trip specifically to see notable players like Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry. “We heard about Newcastle being one of the best courses, so we had to see it for ourselves,” Julie said. Ted remarked on the costliness of such trips but affirmed, “They’re worth it. We hope to find a nice restaurant for later.”
Expectation for Memorable Experiences
Many visitors are eager for the opportunity to witness the remarkable talent on display while enjoying the stunning scenery. As the event kicks off, the community’s hope is to attract golf fans who will appreciate not just the tournament but the charm of Newcastle as well.
Recent Trends and Related Events
In a noteworthy shift, golf tourism has seen a rise in interest over the past year, especially as destinations like Newcastle offer unique settings and prestigious tournaments. Many golf aficionados plan trips that blend iconic sporting events with leisure travel, contributing to local economies even beyond large tournaments.
With Newcastle poised to host visitors for the upcoming weekend, the Irish Open reflects a growing desire among audiences to engage more deeply in the culture and community surrounding their favorite sports. As the excitement builds, both locals and tourists look forward to a weekend of golf and camaraderie.
Conclusion: A Weekend of Golf and Community
The Amgen Irish Open is more than just a golf tournament; it’s a celebration of sports, local culture, and the strength of the community. As the tournament kicks off, Newcastle gets a chance to show off its lively spirit, combining its unique charm with top-notch competition. While people have different ideas about how the tournament will affect local businesses, everyone hopes that both the townspeople and visitors can enjoy all the wonderful things this beautiful coastal town has to offer.
