John Farren, the General Manager at Ballyliffin Golf Club, says the ‘pay back’ from the 2018 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open has already started.
In July, the event came to Donegal for the first time as the Glashedy Links at Ballyliffin played host.
The week proved a huge hit with players, organisers, spectators and media alike.
The Ballyliffin Golf Club – already having been given a civic reception by Donegal County Council to honour the successful staging of the tournament – will be awarded the golf prize at the 2018 Donegal Sports Star Awards later this month.
“I knew what it took to deliver an Irish Open,” Farren said.
“There may have been people who doubted my ambition, but the club and the Council persisted.
“Key to the ambition has been bringing the county with us. We see it as putting Donegal on the map. Everyone saw the bigger picture and saw what this could do for the county.
“That weekend in July won’t be forgotten for a long time and Donegal is firmly on the world agenda in terms of golf.”
And with bookings from afar showing a significant hike, Farren added: “It was a fabulous year for the club, the county and the whole of the region. We hope the success of the Irish Open will bring dividends to not just Ballyliffin.
“The reaction we’re getting from overseas has been phenomenal. The pay back has already started.”
Listen to the full interview below …
