Council Focuses on Legacy and Local Impact of The Open 2025

The much-anticipated return of The Open to Portrush next year was the focal point of a recent discussion, spearheaded by Alderman Aaron Callan, during Tuesday evening's Leisure and Development Committee meeting.

Alderman Callan underscored the importance of fostering positive engagement with Tourism NI, R&A, and Royal Portrush to ensure a lasting legacy from next year's prestigious event.

The conversation highlighted several critical areas where the event will generate substantial economic and strategic regional benefits.

Key points included:

• Economic Benefits: The Open's previous event generated significant economic benefits, and the council aims to leverage its return to maximise local business and economic gains.
• Tourism Strategy: Emphasis was placed on developing a comprehensive tourism strategy to build excitement leading up to the event and ensure long-term benefits.
• Local Business Engagement: There are opportunities for local businesses to become suppliers, although many contracts are pre-established.
  
• Golf Participation: Plans to develop golf participation through various programs, including a Community Golf Leader Award and children's golf classes.
  
• Infrastructure Development: Investment in local golf infrastructure, particularly at Ballyreagh Golf Course, is seen as a key legacy project. 
• FDI Strategy: Updates on the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) strategy included engaging with Invest NI and redesigning the council’s FDI brochure to attract international investment.

A notable highlight from the discussion between the Director of Leisure and Development and Alderman Callan was the emphasis on fostering golf enthusiasm through a partnership with Golf Ireland. This collaboration aims to establish a Community Golf Leader Award, designed to build a volunteer workforce comprising community leaders and primary school teachers. This initiative will provide a coaching resource to promote golf among children across the borough.

The director also revealed plans to pilot a 'mini Open' at Ballyreagh Golf Course in June and offer golf classes for children as part of the council's summer recreation programme. Additionally, there are proposals for further infrastructure development, particularly at Ballyreagh.