Members of the Golfing Union of Ireland (GUI), the Irish Ladies Golf Union (ILGU) and the general public attending the Irish Open at Carton House next week will have a unique opportunity to play the showpiece par three 17th hole on the Montgomerie Course as part of the ‘Open House@17’Challenge.
Anyone visiting the Tented Village at Carton House can register to compete in the challenge at the GUI National Academy stand. Spectators can then use the shuttle service provided by The European Tour to access the challenge which takes place at the GUI National Golf Academy adjacent to the championship course itself.
The challenge involves a 170-yard tee shot to a green in the short game area of the Academy - replicating the testing challenge that the world’s top professionals will face during the Irish Open from next Thursday to Sunday in Co. Kildare.
Each day, the six players closest to the flag will be invited to play the actual 17th hole in front of packed grandstands and galleries with prizes on offer for the winners including vouchers for the National Golf Academy and discounts on insurance from the GUI’s main sponsor AIG.
Albert Lee, Hon. Secretary of the GUI said: “The 17th at Carton House is a magnificent hole and to have the chance to play it in front of the grandstands is one not to be missed. The GUI is delighted to support the Tour in promoting the ‘Open House@17’ initiative and I hope that the stands are full each day to see some great golf”.
Antonia Beggs, Championship Director for the Irish Open, commented: “We are excited to be working closely with the GUI on this unique opportunity for the average golf fan to play such an iconic hole as the 17th on the Montgomerie Course.
“It will be a big thrill for the lucky winners and also for the spectators in the grandstand to cheer and encourage the prize winners as they stand on that tee with the 1500-seater grandstand surrounding the hole itself. It promises to be great fun for all concerned.”
Meanwhile, fans can reserve their seat in the 17th hole grandstand for just €10 per day, ensuring that in the year of The Irish Gathering they are part of this exhilarating crowd experience. Big screens will also be erected at the 17th hole allowing spectators to watch all of the action from elsewhere on the course.
Anyone who has already purchased reserved seating for the 18th green grandstand will also receive automatic entrance to the 17th stand. All reserved grandstand seating for the 18th on Saturday and Sunday is now sold out.
Information about the 17th hole grandstand at the 2013 Irish Open can be found onwww.europeantour.com/tickets, where special advanced tickets offers for the tournament can also be located.
An advance season ticket for all four days of The Irish Open can be bought for €70, a saving and €10 on admission at the gate. Adult day tickets are priced at €30 pre-event, and €35 on the gate. Concessions are available at €50 for a season (€60 on the gate) and €20 for any one day (€25 on the gate).
Under-16s accompanied by an adult are admitted free of charge and all car parking is also free.
Additionally, as part of the Irish Open ticket campaign, fans of golf and horse racing can enjoy both sports on the same day – Saturday, June 29 – by purchasing a specially priced ‘Irish Double’ ticket to enjoy the third round of the Irish Open and the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Day for a combined price of €50.
Corporate Hospitality packages are also available with prices ranging from €245 to €295 (plus VAT). For all enquiries please contact Joanne in CSL Hospitality on 01 676 6650 orjoanne@cslhospitality.ie For further information please visit www.cslhospitality.ie
Full ticket information can be found at: www.europeantour.com/tickets or telephone Ticket Hotline: +440800 023 2557. Irish callers can phone: 1890 252 698. Postal enquiries should be sent to: European Tour Tickets, Mirren Court Three, 123 Renfrew Court Three, Paisley, PA3 4EA.
