Winning Solheim Cup captain to headline Irish presence at Golf Live

Europe’s ladies produced one of the most memorable moments in Irish golfing history when they regained the Solheim Cup at Killeen Castle last year and victorious captain Alison Nicholas will be showing off the trophy on the Golf Ireland stand at Golf Live this month.

Visitors to the Irish section of the exhibitors’ area can also claim signed photographs of the winning team from Nicholas during the three days of the show as one of the many highlights on offer.

In addition, golf fans are being given the chance to win a fantastic trip for two people to next month’s Irish Open while popular Irish folk band Mike Donaghy and Border Crossing will be on hand to treat consumers to some of the traditional music that has made Ireland such a favourite tourist destination.

David Boyce, Tourism Ireland’s head of business and sports tourism, said: “Golf Live is the premier consumer golf show in the UK and therefore a key focus for us.

“It is the best place to meet golfers face to face and we’re looking forward to inspiring thousands on the beauty of playing golf in Ireland over the course of the three days.

“The Solheim Cup provided Ireland with a massive boon last year and it will be extra special to have Alison Nicholas joining us this year.”

Golf Live, which takes place at the London Golf Club from May 18-20, is the world’s most interactive show of its kind and Tourism Ireland’s line-up is sure to attract plenty of interest from among golf enthusiasts.

Exhibitors on the stand will include North & West Coast Links, Doonbeg Golf Club, Irish Golf Tour Operators Association (IGTOA), Killeen Castle, SWING, Dublin East Coast Alliance, Activities Ireland, Slieve Russell Hotel, Golf & Country Club, Carlton Hotel Group and Fota Island, while Northern Ireland will be represented by Lough Erne and Ardglass golf clubs.

Nicholas, who will join the likes of Colin Montgomerie, Gary Player and Thomas Levet in a star-studded line-up at the event,  will be available each day to relive her memories of last September’s stunning Solheim Cup victory against America and sign autographs.

This year’s Irish Open is set to be one of the must-see sporting events of the summer with Irish Major winners Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke, Padraig Harrington and Graeme McDowell all set to compete at Royal Portrush from June 28 to July 1 – plus reigning US PGA champion Keegan Bradley.

As well as a pair of tickets to the Irish Open, the lucky winner will also receive three nights’ accommodation, car hire and return flights from the UK, simply by entering their details at the stand.

And to make sure the weekend goes with an extra swing, live music will be provided by folk group Mike Donaghy and Border Crossing, with Donaghy having reached the top of the Northern Ireland download chart five times during his flourishing career.

Golf Ireland can be found at Stand A59 throughout Golf Live and its presence at the show is part of its ‘Time to Play’ initiative to promote golf in Ireland to a wider audience.

With some of the most famous venues anywhere in the world, Ireland offers golfers the complete package with top championship courses, stunning scenery, fascinating history and some of the best craic around.

A conscious effort to improve value for money, coupled with an improved exchange rate against the euro, means there has never been a better time to play golf in Ireland.

For more information about visiting Ireland, go to www.discoverireland.com/golf. For more details on Golf Live, visit www.golfliveevent.com.