10/07/2025
Tourism Ireland Unveils 'This Is Open Country' Documentary
As the biggest names in golf descend on Royal Portrush next week for The Open Championship, Tourism Ireland has announced the eagerly anticipated release of 'This is Open Country', a one-hour feature documentary.
Produced for Golf Channel in association with The R&A and in partnership with Tourism Ireland, the film promises to captivate millions of viewers across the United States and Great Britain.
The documentary, crafted by award-winning Irish filmmakers Ross Whitaker and Bob Caldwell, meticulously charts the island of Ireland’s incredible success story at The Open Championship. It provides a unique journey to understand what transformed four distinguished golfers – Rory McIlroy (2014 Open Champion), Shane Lowry (2019 Open Champion), Pádraig Harrington (2007, 2008 Open Champion), and Darren Clarke (2011 Open Champion) – from aspiring young players to champions at the pinnacle of golf. The programme also features insightful contributions from respected golfing experts and competitors, including Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley and Major winner Graeme McDowell.
"This is Open Country" premiered for US viewers on Golf Channel yesterday, Wednesday, 9 July. For audiences in Great Britain, the documentary will be broadcast today, Thursday, 10 July, on Sky Sports Golf and will also be available on the streaming service NOW.
The documentary's release is perfectly timed, as Royal Portrush Golf Club in County Antrim prepares to host The Open Championship next week, bringing one of golf's oldest and most prestigious tournaments back to Northern Ireland.
Produced for Golf Channel in association with The R&A and in partnership with Tourism Ireland, the film promises to captivate millions of viewers across the United States and Great Britain.
The documentary, crafted by award-winning Irish filmmakers Ross Whitaker and Bob Caldwell, meticulously charts the island of Ireland’s incredible success story at The Open Championship. It provides a unique journey to understand what transformed four distinguished golfers – Rory McIlroy (2014 Open Champion), Shane Lowry (2019 Open Champion), Pádraig Harrington (2007, 2008 Open Champion), and Darren Clarke (2011 Open Champion) – from aspiring young players to champions at the pinnacle of golf. The programme also features insightful contributions from respected golfing experts and competitors, including Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley and Major winner Graeme McDowell.
"This is Open Country" premiered for US viewers on Golf Channel yesterday, Wednesday, 9 July. For audiences in Great Britain, the documentary will be broadcast today, Thursday, 10 July, on Sky Sports Golf and will also be available on the streaming service NOW.
The documentary's release is perfectly timed, as Royal Portrush Golf Club in County Antrim prepares to host The Open Championship next week, bringing one of golf's oldest and most prestigious tournaments back to Northern Ireland.
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12 April 2012
Giant's Causeway Centre 'On Track'
Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has visited the construction site of the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre and said that the project is on track to open this summer. The new Centre, located at the Giant’s Causeway World Heritage Site is an integral part of the Causeway Coast and Glens Signature Project.
Giant's Causeway Centre 'On Track'
Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has visited the construction site of the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre and said that the project is on track to open this summer. The new Centre, located at the Giant’s Causeway World Heritage Site is an integral part of the Causeway Coast and Glens Signature Project.
16 June 2014
Open Returns To NI
The Open golf competition is to return to Northern Ireland in 2019, it has been confirmed. The Royal Portrush Golf Club is to host the sport's oldest competiton for the first time since it was last hosted at the venue in 1951.
Open Returns To NI
The Open golf competition is to return to Northern Ireland in 2019, it has been confirmed. The Royal Portrush Golf Club is to host the sport's oldest competiton for the first time since it was last hosted at the venue in 1951.
21 February 2012
Golf Resort Given Green Light
The Tourism Minister today welcomed the decision to grant permission for a golf resort at Runkerry on the North Antrim coast. The new Bushmills Dunes Golf Resort and Spa, will be located close to neighbouring Royal Portrush golf club where the Irish Open will take place this summer.
Golf Resort Given Green Light
The Tourism Minister today welcomed the decision to grant permission for a golf resort at Runkerry on the North Antrim coast. The new Bushmills Dunes Golf Resort and Spa, will be located close to neighbouring Royal Portrush golf club where the Irish Open will take place this summer.
21 January 2016
Next Round Of College Open Days Announced
The Employment and Learning Minister, Stephen Farry, has launched the next round of college open days for prospective students.
Next Round Of College Open Days Announced
The Employment and Learning Minister, Stephen Farry, has launched the next round of college open days for prospective students.
28 July 2008
International Blind Golf Championships Set For Belfast
A surprising sport is coming to Northern Ireland - blind golfing. Belfast's Belvoir Park Golf Club will host the World Blind Golf Championships from 10 - 12 August. With one of the 'driving forces' behind the Championships being Comber's Jan Dinsdale - one of the top lady blind golfers in the world - the initiative is all the more appropriate.
International Blind Golf Championships Set For Belfast
A surprising sport is coming to Northern Ireland - blind golfing. Belfast's Belvoir Park Golf Club will host the World Blind Golf Championships from 10 - 12 August. With one of the 'driving forces' behind the Championships being Comber's Jan Dinsdale - one of the top lady blind golfers in the world - the initiative is all the more appropriate.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.