Tourism Ireland is set to celebrate the island’s rich golfing heritage with the premiere of the feature documentary, ‘This is Open Country,’ which airs this week in both the United States and the United Kingdom. As the world’s golfing elite prepare to converge at the Royal Portrush Golf Club for The Open Championship, this documentary dives deep into Ireland’s illustrious contributions to the tournament, highlighting the profound impact this nation has had on the sport of golf. Directed by acclaimed filmmakers Ross Whitaker and Bob Caldwell, ‘This is Open Country’ is a collaborative effort between the R&A, Tourism Ireland, and the Golf Channel. The film chronicles the inspiring journey of Ireland’s most celebrated golfers, including Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, Pádraig Harrington, and Darren Clarke. Each of these legends has ascended from modest beginnings to become titans of the game, and the documentary illuminates their relentless drive, cultural influences, and the sheer passion that propelled them to the pinnacle of professional golf.
The film features intimate interviews with these golfing icons, providing viewers with a rare insight into their thoughts and experiences as they navigated the path to greatness. Their reflections are set against the backdrop of Ireland’s historic ties to golf, detailing how the sport has shaped their careers and the broader narrative of Irish golf. Through captivating storytelling and stunning cinematography, the documentary also examines key events and milestones in the history of golf in Ireland. Insights from notable figures like Paul McGinley, a former Ryder Cup captain, and Graeme McDowell, a major champion, enrich the narrative, offering perspectives on the rise of Irish golfers and their landmark achievements. This context allows audiences to appreciate the players’ evolution from local course enthusiasts to international stars competing on the world stage.
With ‘This is Open Country’, Tourism Ireland is not merely celebrating individual successes; rather, it aims to showcase the collective golfing spirit of the island. The documentary serves as a heartfelt tribute to Ireland’s longstanding commitment to the sport, boasting world-renowned golf courses and a passionate golfing community that attracts players from across the globe. The documentary will first air on the Golf Channel in the United States on July 9, before becoming available to British audiences on Sky Sports Golf and NOW on July 10. As it reaches millions of viewers, ‘This is Open Country’ is poised to inspire a new generation of golfers, all while highlighting the breathtaking landscapes and exceptional golfing talent that Ireland has to offer.
For golf enthusiasts and newcomers alike, this documentary promises to deliver an emotional and powerful portrayal of the lives of some of the sport’s greatest legends, set against the stunning backdrop of Ireland’s rugged beauty. Aidan Power, Tourism Ireland’s Director of Marketing, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We are thrilled to support the filming of ‘This is Open Country’ through our International Programming Ireland Fund. Our island has a remarkable history with The Open Championship, and we are hopeful for continued success at Royal Portrush next week!”
Golf stands as the world’s largest sports-related travel market, and Tourism Ireland is diligently working to convey that a golfing holiday in Ireland encompasses far more than just hitting the links. The unique combination of world-class golf and genuine Irish hospitality plays an essential role in drawing golfers from every corner of the globe. Director Ross Whitaker emphasized the significance of bringing together four of Ireland’s recent Open Championship winners for this documentary, remarking, “We set out in hope rather than expectation that we could get all four of Ireland’s recent Open Championship winners to come together in one documentary and talk about this incredible run of success we’ve had, so it’s incredibly exciting to be able to present this story as told by them. It’s a privilege to be able to present their experiences and also to show some of the stunning locations and courses around Ireland where they learned to become some of the best golfers in the world.”
In conclusion, ‘This is Open Country’ stands as more than just a film; it is a celebration of the enduring legacy of Irish golf and its remarkable contribution to The Open Championship. The documentary not only captures the essence of the sport but also invites viewers to experience the heart and soul of golfing in Ireland. Audiences can expect a gripping narrative that resonates long after the final putt has been taken, ensuring that the stories of these incredible golfers and their homeland will be remembered for generations to come.
