The Claret Jug Tour has concluded with Golf Ireland and The R&A bringing the famed trophy to all four corners of the island and creating unprecedented levels of engagement across golf clubs and communities.
The Open returns to Royal Portrush this July with Rory McIlroy looking to build on his wonderful Grand Slam success in Augusta, while Shane Lowry aims to recapture the trophy he won on the Dunluce Links back in 2019.
The Claret Jug Tour reflected Golf Ireland’s dedication to promoting grassroots golf, driving participation, and enhancing community engagement. The level of excitement throughout the tour displays the strength of golf across Ireland.
The Claret Jug spent two weeks on tour covering 2,479km. It visited golf clubs, community groups, schools, universities and commercial partners and engaged with almost 4,000 people creating more awareness ahead of The 153rd Open.
The tour took in 23 golf clubs in total: Skerries, Edenderry, Athlone, Grange, Greystones, St Helen’s Bay, West Waterford, Kanturk, Killarney, Cork, Clonmel, Ballyneety, Portumna, Athenry, Westport, Tandragee, Lurgan, Greenisland, Portadown, Bushfoot, Rosapenna, Letterkenny, and Cushendall.
Clubs hosted engaging events featuring interactive activities, photo opportunities, and celebrations, while allowing fans the chance to see The Claret Jug up close.
“The response to The Claret Jug Tour has been phenomenal,” said Golf Ireland CEO Mark Kennelly.
“Seeing so many communities engage with the trophy demonstrates how much golf means to people across Ireland. It also highlights the important role our clubs play, not just in sport, but in bringing people together.
“We want to thank the R&A for making this possible. Events like this leave a lasting legacy, inspiring the next generation of golfers.”
Golf clubs were selected based on geography, aligning with Golf Ireland’s values, engagement with Golf Ireland initiatives and Golf Ireland Volunteer of the Year award winners.
These locations were carefully selected to maximise engagement, ensuring diversity and alignment with Golf Ireland’s goals, highlighting clubs and regions actively promoting the growth of the game.
Beyond club visits, the tour extended to schools, universities, and commercial partners, as well as appearances at the Golf Ireland AGM and Season Launch.
“The Open is one of the world’s major sporting events and we want to use the Championship as a means to inspiring local people and encouraging them to engage with the sport in its many formats,” said R&A Director of Golf Development, Kevin Barker.
“We have worked with Golf Ireland to support their Claret Jug Tour with local clubs and communities, which has allowed people of all ages to see the famous trophy up close and create a real excitement for The Open’s return to Northern Ireland this summer.”
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