Poor weather conditions haven’t dampened spirits on the opening day of the Amgen Irish Open in Doonbeg.
Large crowds were out on course early this morning for the start of Padraig Harrington’s record breaking 31st consecutive Irish Open.
Excitement is building towards the appearance of both Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry who get their tournaments underway and form part of star-studded groupings.
The Community have rallied together in preparation for the event, installing additional toilet and rubbish disposal facilities in the village while setting up Doonbeg Failte Fest which will run in conjunction with the tournament.
Social Enterprise Officer with the West Clare Municipal District, John O’Malley, says the village is well placed to benefit from the influx of visitors.
He’s been telling Clare FM’s Darragh O’Grady what went in to preparing for the near 80,000 spectators that will visit Doonbeg over the week.
Just off the third fairway, PGA Ireland are have setup their future champions academy tent.
The facility offers the public a free 15-minute lesson with a professional coach to all visitors with a particular focus on youth coaching.
Primary school kids from across the county got to visit the course yesterday to take in the experience with many taking the opportunity to practice.
PGA Ireland Academy Coach, Zoe Allen, says it’s great for the future of the game in Clare that so many young people are looking to get involved.
