Killarney should feel aggrieved
As recently as weeks ago, George O’Grady, the CEO of the European Tour stated they were exploring “an exciting new package” surrounding the probable return of the Irish Open to Dublin with an announcement of the venue to be confirmed before Christmas.
Carton House was the bookies favourite and then something happened. While we may never know the true reason why the European Tour moved away from Dublin, the conclusion has to be that the Northern Ireland venue had more to offer. The sponsorship package it could bring to the table with three major champions and, of course, a golf course of true pedigree and renown goes without saying.
Yet still, most of the pundits in the golf industry reckoned Royal Portrush was a “shoo-in” for the 2013 and not the 2012 Irish Open.
Am I surprised that once again we find ourselves pondering over the actions of the European Tour? No. But there are more than a number of people and venues hurting today because of the secrecy around their actions.
In an age of continued uncertainty, no one will argue with the European Tour pursuing an agenda that prioritises the viability and the long term sustainability of the Irish Open. But with that must come respect. Respect for the thoughts of all the other parties associated with the Irish Open, most of whom are primary sponsors with their own vested interests.
Royal Portrush will, no doubt, prove itself a truly wonderful venue for this year’s event. Northern Ireland is a wonderful part of the island with a warmth of hospitality second to none. I applaud the efforts of everyone involved in securing the event and their commitment to date and I have no doubt this effort will be continued over the coming months to guarantee the event carries on from the legacy created by Killarney.
To that effect, Graeme McDowell’s recent commentary on Killarney missed the point. The event has grown by the sustained commitment and professionalism shown by all the vested parties, most especially the community in Killarney.
All of this brings us back to the shoddy and unprofessional way the European Tour has treated and abandoned Killarney over the past couple of months.
Co-operation in business is all about working off the same hymn sheet. It’s all about collectively sharing the burden. Killarney has more than carried its share of the load and can proudly say it has helped deliver in spades.
I want the Irish Open to continue to grow and flourish. With the talent pool of professional golfers that already exists and their dedication to supporting the event, it has the potential to become one of the biggest events in Europe.
I fully understand that for commercial reasons the tournament must (and should) move around Ireland, but unless there is a sustained manner of communication and co-operation, where all parties are respected professionally, there can never be bridges built. The long term future of the Irish Open must be built on professional respect not such cavalier treatment of a club or organisation which has played such a critical role in resurrecting the fortunes of the Irish Open and which could have an equally important role to play in years to come.
I wish Royal Portrush only the best in 2012 and I hope that every golfing enthusiast in the Republic gives it all the support it needs and deserves.
