The NI Open, reimagined yet reverting to its origins, is making its way back to the Challenge Tour calendar, taking place at the Ballymena-based Galgorm Golf Club in Antrim County, from July 23rd to 28th. With a generous prize fund of £250,000 (approximately €290,000), the rejuvenated competition has secured a prominent position in the Challenge Tour agenda during a DP World Tour off week, preceding the Irish Challenge at The K Club.
Tom McKibbin, who made his mark in the DP World Tour last year with his victory in the Porsche European Tour, will serve as the tournament’s presenting player and has confirmed his participation in the pre-tournament pro-am. “Being a part of the renewed NI Open, which is set to be yet another fantastic event, is a privilege,” said the 21-year-old Belfast native who is a professional golfer attached to Galgorm. He added, “I competed in numerous Challenge Tour tournaments at the outset of my career. They draw high-level competitors from across the globe. I’m certain a solid Irish representation will be competing at Galgorm, giving local enthusiasts plenty to celebrate. It’s shaping up to be a striking week.”
The NI Open, providing free access to all attendees, initially found popularity in the EuroPro Tour (2010-2012), followed by the Challenge Tour (2013-2020), and lately on the Clutch Pro Tour (2021-2023). The ISPS Handa World Invitational, an innovative competition featuring both men’s and women’s strokeplay tournaments, was hosted by Galgorm in recent times.
This refresh, promoted by the Clutch Pro Tour, marks the tournament’s re-entry to the Challenge Tour. George Diamondis, Tourism NI golf marketing manager, commented: “The NI Open, introduced by Tom McKibbin, is a yearly local golf event held at Galgorm. This year celebrates its long-awaited return to the Challenge Tour. This event will kick off a succession of captivating golf competitions that will exhibit our world-class golf offerings on a global platform.”
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