European Tour expects another Irish Open sell-out

Organisers of next year's Irish Open are expecting another sell-out when the tournament hits Royal County Down in May.

The event is heading north of the border for the second time in four years and has a lot to live up to after the 2012 edition in Royal Portrush set a host of attendance records, including becoming the first ever European Tour event to fully sell out in advance. Over 112,000 spectators attended the four days of competition at Portrush, but with a 20,000 daily limit next year in force for 2015, golf fans have been advised to purchase early to avoid disappointment. The Irish Open will be unique as the only European Tour event with an open re-entry policy, allowing ticketholders access the resort town of Newcastle and return to the course. The endorsement of world No.1 Rory McIlroy through the hosting of the tournament by The Rory Foundation should also fuel demand, with McIlroy already convincing American rival Rickie Fowler to join the field. Northern Ireland Tourist Board boss Kathryn Thomson said: 'We are expecting another historic event come next May and, already, a sizeable number of tickets have been sold.' Championship Director Antonia Beggs added: 'I cannot tell you how excited we are to be returning in 2015 to one of the best courses on the planet and with the likes of Rory and Rickie Fowler already confirmed, we are confident that next year’s line-up will be one to remember.' For more information on the Irish Open 2015 including accommodation offers, golf in Northern Ireland and ticket information, visit www.irishopen.ie or #2015irishopen. There is an early bird price of £25, a saving of £10, for tickets sold before December 31.