With a worldwide television audience of millions watching last weekend’s Irish Open, golf in Northern Ireland is at an all-time high and the country’s courses have been boosted further after receiving the backing of ‘the Voice of Golf’.

Legendary TV commentator and presenter Peter Alliss spent four days visiting some of Northern Ireland’s most iconic golfing venues and facilities last month to record a specially-commissioned programme for Tourism Ireland.

As well as filming at Royal Portrush, venue for this year’s Irish Open, and Royal County Down, regularly voted among the top five courses in the UK and Ireland, Alliss also travelled to Darren Clarke’s Golf Academy at Greenmount, Co.Antrim, to record footage.

The independent production has been distributed to two of Tourism Ireland’s key golf markets, Great Britain and America, as part of its extensive promotions around the world to highlight Ireland’s fantastic courses.

David Boyce, Tourism Ireland’s head of business and sports tourism, said: “We were delighted to welcome golfing legend Peter Alliss to Northern Ireland to front our golf TV production.

“Peter was full of praise for our wonderful courses and the golf product we have in Northern Ireland. His enthusiasm is so evident in the interviews and commentary and we are confident the footage will encourage golfers from Britain and the US to come to Northern Ireland and sample our golf for themselves.”

Tourism Ireland’s programme of promotional activity before, during and after the Irish Open will be seen by millions of golf fans around the world, including television adverts on America’s Golf Channel; ads and features in leading international golf publications and newspapers; on key golf websites and a presence at key golf tournaments.

Last month’s tournament made European Tour history by becoming the first regular Tour event to sell out completely over all four days of the championship.

Ireland’s reputation as a leading global golfing destination was endorsed by a Golf  Digest poll last month which ranked eight of its courses inside the top 100 in the world outside America – including number one Royal County Down.

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

For more information about visiting Ireland, go to www.discoverireland.com/golf.