ForeFront Group CEO, Cian Branagan sat down and spoke about the idea of bringing back the Women’s Irish Open after an 11-year break since it was last played at Killeen Castle. The event has grown from strength to strength over the last 3 years since it made its return to the Ladies European Tour schedule at Dromoland Castle in 2022.
“There were three key decision makers in bringing back the Women’s Irish Open,” Branagan said. “One was Sport Ireland. They secured the Government funding necessary to bring back the event and secured a date with the Ladies European Tour which meant that Dromoland could put their hands up to host the event. It was no hidden secret that Dromoland were in the market for probably a year saying that they would host it, which was a huge statement for them to make. They also underwrote the event as well, which was incredible and very brave of them to take this risk.
“KPMG coming on board in May as the title sponsor was really significant and their commitment, resources and energy they put in was key to making it a huge success.”
Dromoland Castle provided a world-class stage in 2022 and 2023; Carton House will be no different this year. The course is built for big, world-class events and the KPMG Women’s Irish Open is gearing up to welcome big crowds to the event.
“The two estates and the two hotels are very similar, they’re five star, they’re high end, they’re world-class,” Branagan said, speaking on the similarities of Carton House and Dromoland Castle. “Carton House is very well set to host an event like this. They’ve held many Irish Opens, it’s one of the biggest estates in the country. The golf course is magnificent, it’s in the county of Kildare (a proven county for hosting major golf events) and with it being so close to the Dublin area, we are expecting some big crowds this year – We’ve had to put more toilets in, grandstand seats, marquees, just general amenities to cater for bigger attendance which we’re looking forward to seeing now in August.”
Last year saw 31,000 spectators attend the event at Dromoland Castle and the move to Carton House this year has an estimate of 40,000 spectators attending the event.
The KPMG Women’s Irish Open is continuously growing, and this year’s event has world-class talent such as LPGA Tour winners and Olympians, Leona Maguire and Georgia Hall, as well as rising Irish star Lauren Walsh who has secured three top-3 finishes this season on the Ladies European Tour.
They will be joined by multi-LET winners Olivia Cowan and Anne Van Dam. The spectator village will be packed with exhibitors and activities for all the family. Offbeat Donuts and Nespresso will be set up in the village while there will be activities such as a long-putt, trackman, VR golf, live music and face painting for kids.
“There’s a lot to expect at this year’s event. We are very much catered towards family fun, entertainment, we’ve got simulators, long putts, chipping challenges, kid’s zones, and food trucks, which creates an incredible experience for all our spectators – but I really think what people will be surprised at this year is the talent on the golf course.
“We have improved the field bringing in Georgia Hall, Leona Maguire who is a superstar here in Ireland, Olivia Cowan and Lauren Walsh who is coming up the ranks. She is one of the most inform players Ireland has currently, so I’m really excited for what happens inside the ropes. I think we’ve a great opportunity of getting an Irish winner this year and line the fairways with thousands of golf fans to witness history” said Branagan.
To secure your tickets and keep up to date with the latest player announcements for the KPMG Women’s Irish Open, please visit the official website here.
You can also follow the tournament via social media by following on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and Facebook.
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