McIlroy returns to his roots for 2024 Amgen Irish Open

This September (12–15), Royal County Down, one of the world’s top ranked golf courses, will host the Amgen Irish Open. The competition will feature a first-class line-up of golfers including County Down’s own Rory McIlroy.

McIlroy grew up in Holywood County Down and honed his skills there before becoming an international success. He has said he is looking forward to playing on home soil cheered on by supporters he calls “the best in the world”.

“I’m incredibly excited to have the opportunity play in this year’s Irish Open at a venue so close to home. Royal County Down is a fantastic venue and I still have some great memories from the 2007 Walker Cup. The crowds are always so supportive of all the Irish golfers taking part and the atmosphere is unlike any other golf tournament.”

Other top players making an appearance at the Irish Open will include Shane Lowry, Pádraig Harrington, and Séamus Power.

Consistently ranked among the top 10 courses in the world, Royal County Down is located in Murlough Nature Reserve beside the picturesque seaside town of Newcastle and is overlooked by the dramatic Mourne Mountains. 

It’s a par 71 links course which is considered to be extremely challenging due to its naturally undulating fairways, rugged sand dunes and ‘bearded’ bunkers. These bunkers also provide a habitat for mining bees and marsh fritillary butterflies leading the course to be named in the Top 100: Best Sustainable Golf Courses in Europe.

Tickets for the Amgen Irish Open are still available. There is a range of options from general admission to premium packages including the Ballroom package in the luxurious five-star Slieve Donard Hotel which overlooks the course.

Royal County Down is just one of 100 excellent golf courses and links in Northern Ireland, which is considered to be a premiere golfing destination. Among the many other top golfing spots is Royal Portrush, sitting on the beautiful Causeway Coast. It has also been ranked in the world’s top 10 greatest golf courses and is the only course on the island of Ireland to have hosted The Open. Royal Portrush hosted the 148th Open Championship in 2019 and will host the 153rd Open Championship in 2025.

www.ireland.com