10 May 2012

Irish Open Sponsor Confirmed

Tourism Minister Arlene Foster has welcomed today's announcement that a leading investment management company, Brewin Dolphin will be an Official Sponsor of the Irish Open at Royal Portrush.

Brewin Dolphin is one of the UK's largest independent private client investment managers, with offices in both Belfast and Dublin.

Arlene Foster said: "This is really great news for the Irish Open at Portrush. The Irish Open is respected throughout Europe by professional golfers and spectators alike and today’s announcement by Brewin Dolphin is a major coup for the event.

"Sponsorship is a commercial matter and the responsibility of the European Tour. Over recent years, many European Tour events have successfully taken place without a title sponsor due to the current tough economic climate. However, I am aware that a number of other significant sponsors have already been secured and further expressions of interest are being followed up. Details of these additional sponsors will be announced shortly."

The Minister continued: "I also know that the European Tour are delighted with ticket sales which have been at unprecedented levels. Our target is to attract around 90,000 visitors over the four days of the tournament. I am confident that we will exceed this and I look forward to the European Tour's update on ticket sales tomorrow."

(CD)