CARTON HOUSE’S SIGNATURE hole will be transformed into a “spectator stadium” for the 2013 Irish Open.
European Tour bosses are spending €50,000 to build a grandstand surrounding the 17th green ahead of next month’s tee-off in County Kildare.
The aim is to recreate the frenzied atmosphere of some of golf’s most infamous holes including the 16th at TPC Scottsdale, a hole notorious for its raucous gallery, caddy races and carnival atmosphere.
The grandstand at Carton House will feature a big screen TV, catering and a fully-stocked Heineken bar.
Antonia Beggs of the European Tour said: ”We are hoping to create an amphitheatre atmosphere at the green of our signature hole, 17.”
“The capacity is the same as the First Tee at the Ryder Cup at the grandstand on 18 at Wentworth.”
Traditionalists have long been at odds with the alcohol-fuelled atmosphere of golf’s rowdy “stadium” holes. Irish Open commercial director James Finnigan said there would be no limit on the amount of beer served but the grandstand would be monitored by security staff.
“Irish golf fans are renowned the world over for their knowledge and respect for the game,” he said.
While Irish golfers Padraig Harrington, Paul McGinley, Graeme McDowell, Darren Clarke and world number two Rory McIlroy will be the main draws, Ryder Cup-winning captain Jose Maria Olazabal and brothers Francesco and Eduardo Molinari are among the other big names already confirmed.
The Irish Open takes place from June 27-30 and organisers are hoping to match the turn-out of 130,000 spectators who flocked to last summer’s tournament in Royal Portrush.
Carton House to get infamous ‘stadium hole’ for Irish Open
CARTON HOUSE’S SIGNATURE hole will be transformed into a “spectator stadium” for the 2013 Irish Open.
European Tour bosses are spending €50,000 to build a grandstand surrounding the 17th green ahead of next month’s tee-off in County Kildare.
The aim is to recreate the frenzied atmosphere of some of golf’s most infamous holes including the 16th at TPC Scottsdale, a hole notorious for its raucous gallery, caddy races and carnival atmosphere.
YouTube Credit: pgatour
The grandstand at Carton House will feature a big screen TV, catering and a fully-stocked Heineken bar.
Antonia Beggs of the European Tour said: ”We are hoping to create an amphitheatre atmosphere at the green of our signature hole, 17.”
“The capacity is the same as the First Tee at the Ryder Cup at the grandstand on 18 at Wentworth.”
Traditionalists have long been at odds with the alcohol-fuelled atmosphere of golf’s rowdy “stadium” holes. Irish Open commercial director James Finnigan said there would be no limit on the amount of beer served but the grandstand would be monitored by security staff.
YouTube Credit: xTJxBeasTx
“Irish golf fans are renowned the world over for their knowledge and respect for the game,” he said.
While Irish golfers Padraig Harrington, Paul McGinley, Graeme McDowell, Darren Clarke and world number two Rory McIlroy will be the main draws, Ryder Cup-winning captain Jose Maria Olazabal and brothers Francesco and Eduardo Molinari are among the other big names already confirmed.
The Irish Open takes place from June 27-30 and organisers are hoping to match the turn-out of 130,000 spectators who flocked to last summer’s tournament in Royal Portrush.
– Additional reporting by Niall Kelly
The 16th at TPC Scottsdale: 16 reasons to love the craziest hole in golf
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Carton House European Tour Golf Irish Open 2013 Let's Get Loud TPC Scottsdale