McClarty welcomes economic boost from Tullamore Dew
The Tournament has become Europe's largest amateur golf competition attracting almost 1,100 participants, and is taking place between 7th and 11th June at golf courses in Portstewart, Portrush, Castlerock and Ballycastle.
McClarty said: " The boost to the local tourist industry and the wider economy from an event such as this cannot be over-stated.
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Hide Ad"The magnificent local golf courses which are set in stunning scenery are the perfect location for such a prestigious competition with well over a thousand competitors from as far afield as South Africa, Australia, the USA, Canada and throughout Europe.
"We truly are blessed in this part of the World in that in addition to this tournament we also play host to the North West 200 motorbike races and the Milk Cup football tournament.
"The importance of these events to both the local economy and the wider Northern Ireland economy cannot be over-stated, particularly in these difficult economic times and I would like to extend my congratulations and thanks to the organisers and sponsors."