The Irish Open has made European Tour history by becoming the first regular Tour event to sell out completely over all four days of this year’s championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club.
In recent weeks, the Tour has closed the sale of tickets, firstly for the weekend’s play, then Friday’s second round. Now the sale of tickets on the gate for tomorrow’s opening round has ceased, creating an unprecedented sell-out.
A total of 27,000 people each day will descend on Royal Portrush between Thursday and Sunday as Northern Ireland welcomes an Irish Open to its shores for the first time since 1953. Spectators are advised that no tickets will be sold at the gate for the duration for the tournament.
The combination of the sell-out and one of the strongest fields on The European Tour Schedule has resulted in a Major-like atmosphere at the County Antrim links course, even before a competitive ball has been struck.
Over 4,000 people attended the opening practice round at the Dunluce Links, while a crowd of 14,225 added an exciting dimension to the star-studded Wednesday Pro-Am.
“The 2012 Irish Open has exceeded all expectations in terms of advance ticket sales. Following the announcement that the last three days were sold out, we had a considerable up-take for Thursday which has culminated in us putting up the ‘sold out’ signs,” said Championship Director Antonia Beggs.
“We urge spectators not to arrive at the gate in hope of purchasing tickets, as there will be no further sales for the 2012 Irish Open.”
The European Tour hope to make an announcement later this week about the sale of tickets for the 2013 Irish Open at Carton House near Dublin from June 27-30.