Minister Foster Receives Major Thanks

Northern Ireland’s three Major Champions welcomed a special guest to the annual Players’ Awards Dinner on The European Tour on Tuesday night in the shape of Northern Ireland Tourism Minister Arlene Foster.

Reigning Open Champion Darren Clarke and the last two US Open Champions Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy were three of the many stars in attendance at the glittering ceremony held in the ballroom of the Sofitel Hotel at London Heathrow’s Terminal Five.

The evening recognised the many achievements of The European Tour players in the 2011 season as well as continuing the build-up to the Tour’s flagship event – the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club – which tees off on Thursday morning.

However, before the evening began, Northern Ireland’s three golfing stars took time out with Minister Foster to discuss plans for the 2012 Irish Open at Royal Portrush, which will tee off on the venue’s Dunluce Course in five weeks’ time.

“It was a great pleasure to meet with the three guys and to hear at first-hand how much they are looking forward to playing in the Irish Open at Royal Portrush next month,” said Minister Foster.

“Securing some of the world’s top golfers including, of course, Rory, Graeme and Darren has ensured the Irish Open will be keenly followed by golf fans across the world.

“The recent announcement that Keegan Bradley, the reigning US PGA Champion, will also play along with two-time Major winner John Daly will bring even more benefits with increased interest from the USA, where fans will be able to watch the Irish Open in their homes.

“The Northern Ireland Executive is committed to ensuring that the Irish Open at Portrush will be a success. Hosting this important tournament will give a great boost to the Northern Ireland economy along with the tourism sector and we aim to use it to encourage potential investors to consider Northern Ireland as an investment location.”

Minister Foster was part of the top table gathering at Royal Portrush in January when The European Tour made the announcement that the Irish Open was to return to Northern Ireland for the first time since 1953 when Scotsman Eric Brown won at Belvoir Park.

Also present on the top table that day was Portrush resident Darren Clarke who paid tribute to Minister Foster’s involvement.

“The Irish Open has enjoyed tremendous backing from across the community and I think the support of Minister Foster epitomises that,” he said.

“She has been there right from when the concept was discussed through to the announcement in January and continues to be a visible support to everyone involved with the championship. Therefore it was good for the three of us to welcome her to our Players’ Dinner to say our own thank you.”

McIlroy Happy Being the Best

World number one Rory McIlroy is happy to be described - and to describe himself - as the best golfer in the world.

The top ranking has ricocheted betwen McIlroy, Luke Donald and Lee Westwood in recent months, but the Northern Irishman is determined to keep the English duo - and the rest of the chasing pack - at bay.

Not that the 23-year-old US Open champion uses the rankings as the only measure of his standing in the game.

Asked at Wentworth ahead of this week's BMW Championship if he considers himself better than everyone else now, McIlroy replied: "Yeah, I think that you have to believe that you're better than anyone else.

"On my day I believe I can beat anyone in the world. It's just a matter of going out there and showing everyone else what I believe.

"It's hard to walk around saying 'I'm the best' or whatever, but you just have to believe in it and be quietly confident."

Donald was not quite as forceful in his answer to the same question.

"I don't really think in terms like that," he said. "I think my focus is to try and always continue to improve and be a better golfer.

"In terms of who is the best, that's a very hard thing to discuss. Certainly I've been one of the most consistent players over the last couple of years.

"I've won quite a few events and I'm very proud of what I've done the last couple of years."

But McIlroy is enjoying the to-and-fro battle for the top ranking.

"I think this whole battle for No.1 has created a buzz amongst fans of golf, in the UK, Europe and also around the rest of the world.

"It's just nice to be a part of it and it's nice to be on top at the moment, but you can't be number one forever. I'm sure at some point or another I'm going to lose it, I just hope it's not this week.

"It's being going back and forward, but it would be nice to play consistently over the next few weeks and create a bit of a gap between me and the rest."

Meanwhile, McIlroy is confident of challenging for his first title at the European Tour's flagship event.

"I feel like I've definitely come back this year (to this tournament) with more confidence," he told Sky Sports.

"I'm a major champion and world No.1, so I definitely feel Iike I'm a better player than I was 12 months ago.

"Hopefully (I can) give it a good run this week, setting myself up for a great few weeks leading up to the US Open."

The West Course has been tweaked again following criticisms last year of Ernie Els' layout changes and McIlroy added: "I like the changes they've made this year.

"I wasn't a huge fan of the changes they made a couple of years ago - but the few tweaks that they've made this year have been great.

"Turning 12 back into a par five has been a great move. I think levelling out the right side of the 15th green, making that greenside bunker a little shallower...that'll be better for us.

"Making the 18th more inviting for second shots, being able to get the ball a little bit further down the fairway there, you're now going to see a lot of guys go for that green in two, you're going to see eagles and exciting finishes."