The European Tour has signed an agreement with Ireland’s fastest growing mobile network, 3 , to secure the future of one of golf’s most enduring national titles – The Irish Open – for the next three years with a prize fund of €3 million.
The 3 Irish Open, which was won last year by England’s Richard Finch following the success of three-time Major Champion Padraig Harrington of Ireland the previous year, will be played at County Louth Golf Club, Baltray, Drogheda, from May 14-17, 2009.
Carrying an increased prize fund of €3 million - €500,000 more than the 2008 tournament– The 3 Irish Open helps to secure the long-term future of one of the most revered national Opens, which was first played at Portmarnock in 1927.
Robert Finnegan, Chief Executive of the new title sponsors 3, said: “3 is delighted to be supporting such a prestigious event - the Irish open is a real sleeping giant and we’re looking forward to bringing it back to its rightful place as one of the strongest tournaments in Europe. As the newest and fastest growing network 3 stands for innovation and value in the market place – we plan to bring new and innovative ideas to the event whilst respecting the tradition of the tournament. We have some of the world’s top golfers here in Ireland so come along to Baltray and enjoy the spectacle.”
Martin Cullen TD, Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, said: “3 is showing strong commitment to Ireland and to Irish sport through this sponsorship. The Irish Open, restored to its former glory, will act to promote Ireland internationally as a leading destination for the golfing tourism market." Minister Cullen added “The Government, through Failte Ireland recognises the importance of golfing visitors to our tourism industry and its significant investment in this year’s Irish Open will also be crucial to its success.”
George O’Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour, commented: “We are delighted to enter into this three year agreement with 3, which will see a championship with such a distinguished heritage as The Irish Open join forces with an innovative brand as title sponsor. We are grateful to the Irish Government, and in particular Minister Cullen, for their continued commitment to The Irish Open, which this year incorporates The Race to Dubai. Everyone on the Tour is excited at the prospect of returning to a classic links in County Louth, where I am sure we will receive a typically hospitable Irish welcome.”
Inaugurated in 1927, the Irish Open has consistently produced world class champions on the calibre of Fred Daly, Harry Bradshaw, Christy O’Connor Jnr, Ben Crenshaw, Hubert Green, Sam Torrance, John O’Leary, Seve Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer, Ian Woosnam, José Maria Olazábal, Nick Faldo, Colin Montgomerie, Sergio Garcia, Michael Campbell and Padraig Harrington.
About 3
• 3, which launched on the Irish mobile services market in 2005, operates one of Ireland's 3G mobile phone licences under the '3' brand. With over 19 million customers worldwide, 3 is Europe's leading 3G operator and was the first to offer 3G services to European customers.
• 3 is Ireland’s fastest growing mobile network with over 350,000 customers.
• 3 is now the leading provider of mobile broadband services in Ireland, with 120,000 high speed mobile broadband subscribers.
• 3 was recently appointed to roll-out the country’s National Broadband Scheme connecting rural areas of Ireland with high speed mobile broadband.
• 3 has invested €530 million to date in building the Irish network
• 3 has opened 21 of its own retail stores in Ireland, called 3Stores.
• 3 is the only operator offering a pre-paid mobile broadband service in Ireland.
• 3 is 100 per cent owned by Hutchison Whampoa Group which also holds 3G licenses in Australia, Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, Macau, Norway, Sweden and the UK.
Please clickHEREto view the announcement.
