*Photograph: Joe Buckley
DOONBEG’s Irish Open “is about much more than world-class golf”.
Trump International Golf Links Ireland has the eyes of the golfing world on it this week with an impeccable field of golfers teeing off in West Clare.
Along with the golf is a five-day family festival, children aged thirteen and under go free when accompanied by an adult.
At the Championship Village, there is a host of activities including a wide variety of food, interactive experiences, a long putt challenge in aid of Make-A-Wish Ireland, with daily prizes up for grabs and plenty of space to relax.
Paul Gillmon, Championship Director of the Amgen Irish Open, said, “The Amgen Irish Open is about much more than world-class golf. There is entertainment, live music and activities for all ages throughout the week. Super Saturday will be a real highlight as fans come together in green to support Make-A-Wish Ireland while enjoying an unforgettable day of sport and entertainment. We look forward to welcoming families from across Ireland and beyond to Doonbeg”.
Young fans will be entertained from the first tee shot to the final putt as the Championship Village will play host to face painting, interactive play areas, music, live DJs, live kids’ entertainers, glitter tattoos and balloon modelling, creating a non-stop playground for children of all ages.
On Saturday, fans are encouraged to wear green, with Amgen donating to Make-A-Wish Ireland for every person dressed in green, turning a sea of green into a wave of support for children and families who need it most.
The popular Bring the Noise experience returns to the 7th hole from Thursday through Sunday, featuring live DJs, an MC, crowd interaction and exciting prizes throughout the day. The popular Beat the Pro challenge will take place at the Arena on the seventh hole on Saturday, giving amateur golfers the chance to take on the iconic par three and compare their efforts with some of the world’s best players.
On the course, fans will have the opportunity to watch Rory McIlroy for the first time in Ireland fresh from his second Masters victory, alongside Major champions Shane Lowry and Pádraig Harrington, home favourites Séamus Power and Tom McKibbin, plus Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald, Tyrrell Hatton, Jon Rahm, brothers Nicolai and Rasmus Højgaard and Ryder Cup stars Patrick Reed, Robert MacIntyre, Francesco Molinari, and Sepp Straka.
Following play on Saturday, Irish chart-toppers Keywest will take to the stage with their trademark high-energy live performance.
On Sunday evening, contemporary Irish folk-rock favourites All Folk’d Up will close the tournament with a lively performance, bringing another unforgettable Amgen Irish Open to a fitting conclusion.
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of food and drink throughout the Championship Village, from gourmet street food and burgers to artisan coffee, sweet treats and craft beverages. Pop-up bars and relaxed seating areas will ensure there’s something for everyone to enjoy away from the fairways.
