Professional Documents
Culture Documents
SPECTATOR GUIDE
ADMISSION POLICY
If you have already bought a ticket for The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open you will be
asked to present this ticket at the Spectator Entrance upon arrival. If you havent
bought a ticket then you can do this on entry to the course Subject to availability.
Please follow the signage to Ticket Sales.
*Please see Ground Regulations
ACCESS ON THE GOLF COURSE
Spectators can move freely around the golf course but please stay outside the ropes.
Controlled crossing points, which are clearly marked by yellow signposts, should be
used when crossing fairways.
ATTIRE
We recommend that you wear casual golf wear and check the weather forecast
before you set out. The ground is uneven and particularly under wet conditions the
ground may become slippery therefore appropriate footwear should be worn.
AUTOGRAPHS
Spectators are welcome to ask for player autographs on Practice Days and the ProAm, however are asked to refrain from this during the tournament days.
BIG SCREENS/SCOREBOARDS
Big Screens will be located in the Championship Village, on the 18th Green and the
17th Green.
On Course Leaderboards are located placed around the course on the 4th, 7th, 9th,
11th, 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th greens.
BAD WEATHER
In the event of inclement weather, it may be necessary to evacuate grandstands.
Please observe the instructions of the marshals and look at the warnings that will
appear on the tournament leaderboards around the golf course.
AVOID THE FOLLOWING:
Open areas Hilltops / high places Isolated trees Golf carts Wire fences
BANKING FACILITIES
There is an ATM in the Tented Village
BICYCLES
There will be a cycling park located within Car Park 5 which is a 10 minute walk from
the main Welcome Pavilion. Please follow AA Event Signage to Car Park 5.
BOOKMAKER
There are no bookmaker facilities on site, however there are within the Centre of
Newcastle.
CAMERAS
Cameras are permitted ONLY on Practice Days Wednesday.
Cameras are NOT permitted on Match Days Thursday, Friday, Saturday and
Sunday.
Although mobile phones are permitted on all five days of the event, the use of the
camera facility is as per the above.
CHAMPIONSHIP VILLAGE
There will be a variety of exhibitions and activities in the Tented Village, including the
JN Wine Champagne Bar, Punjana Tea Room, Heineken Sports Bar, Official
Merchandise Area and Exhibitors as listed below:
The above are from 08.00hrs each day until close of play.
CHARITY
The official charity for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open is The Rory Foundation. Full
details of the charity can be found at www.roryfoundation.com
CHILDCARE
07:30hrs 18:00hrs
07.30hrs - 19.00hrs
06.45hrs - 20.30hrs
06.45hrs - 20.30hrs
07.00hrs - 20.30hrs
07.00hrs - 20.00hrs
GRANDSTANDS
Located on the 1st Tee, 4th Green, 7th Green, 9th Green, 16th Green, 17th Green and
18th Green. ALL of these grandstands are FREE to access and available on a first
come first served basis.
There is a dedicated grandstand on the 18th green (in addition to the public
grandstand) where public can book their seats in advance through
www.irishopen.ie.
Please note that Reserved Grandstand seats need to be taken by 4:00 pm at the
latest otherwise the seat will be given to another member of the public. This is to
maximize the enjoyment of as many customers as possible.
A dedicated wheelchair viewing area will be positioned adjacent to the 18 th
Grandstand and the 17th Grandstand.
GROUND REGULATIONS
1. All tickets are subject to the Ground Regulations as set out herein or as further amended by the
European Tour ("Management") from time to time.
2. All persons must comply with instructions and decisions given by the Officials, Stewards and Police
Officers.
3. Proof of identity and age, where an age concession is claimed, may be required.
4. Right of admission is reserved at the discretion of the Management. Where admission is refused
or the bearer is evicted from the venue and/or demarcated areas for any reason whatsoever, no
refund shall be paid.
5. Entry to the ground is only permitted to spectators who agree to be searched on entry, including
their belongings.
6. The selected ticket must be produced at appropriate entry points and/or on demand by any
authorised official.
7. Entry into the venue and demarcated areas will not be allowed to persons bearing animals (guide
dogs permitted), step ladders, dangerous weapons, fireworks / explosives, smoke canisters,
incendiary devices, flares, sticks and poles (including flag poles), klaxons, megaphones and
compressed air or gas operated horns, banners, alcoholic beverages, musical instruments, balls,
frisbees and similar items, bicycles, scooters, skateboards, skates including in-line skates, nonaccredited media equipment, cans and glass containers, deck chairs, gazebos, any objects or
clothing containing political or commercial identification in breach of condition 8 below, any other
objects or items which may be deemed in the discretion of Management to be offensive, disruptive,
dangerous or likely to infringe any party's rights or any party's safety or security or any dangerous
article or substance not referred to above. Management reserves the right to confiscate or replace
with product of an equivalent quality and value any non-alcoholic beverages or other products
including branded food and non-alcoholic beverage products which, in its opinion, the importation
of which will or may infringe any party's rights or any party's safety or security. The PSNI will not
be permitted to seize any alcoholic beverages from a Spectators belongings.
8. Spectators shall not engage in any form of "ambush marketing" (ambush marketing is an activity
by a party which utilises the publicity value of an event without having any official involvement or
connection with the event) and shall not breach or infringe the rights of any sponsors, suppliers,
broadcasters or other parties commercially associated with the Match, nor conduct unauthorised
promotions or other commercial activity.
9. The consumption of intoxicating liquors is permitted only in the bars or other authorised areas or
places during hours decided by the Management, and the right is reserved to close bars at any
time.
10. The playing areas of the golf course shall be out of bounds at all times.
11. Spectators shall not behave in any manner deemed by Management to be disruptive, to endanger
the safety of other persons in the venue and/or demarcated areas or to unreasonably obstruct the
viewing of other spectators. No person shall throw or discharge any missile or other article, Racist
chanting or the use of foul or abusive language will not be tolerated.
12. The obstruction of gangways, access-ways, exits, entrances or staircases, congregating in nondesignated areas or seeking entry to stands or seats for which the purchaser does not hold a valid
ticket is strictly forbidden.
13. The climbing of walls, fences, stands or any other buildings in the venue is strictly forbidden.
14. Defacing or obscuring any notice or advertisement is strictly forbidden.
15. The use of any cameras, computers and other electronic equipment at the Tournament is not
permitted other than with the proper accreditation. NO Cameras are permitted on Match Days
(Thursday Sunday), however they are permitted on the Practice Day and Pro-Am Day
(Tuesday and Wednesday).
16. The use of cameras, mobile phones, computers and other electronic equipment for the recording,
transmission or communication of match details, statistics, images etc., is not permitted other than
with the proper accreditation.
17. Mobile Phone Policy - Mobile devices are permitted but must be on silent - Calls are only
permitted in designated MOBILE PHONES ZONES - Data use is permitted outside these areas
but please be respectful to the players and spectators around you - No video recording permitted
at any time - No photographs permitted during competition round (i.e. after Wednesday) - Violation
may result in the confiscation of your mobile device or removal from the tournament
18. Smoking at the venue is not permitted other than in designated areas.
19. No goods or literature of any nature may be offered free or for sale by any person without the prior
written consent of the Management.
20. By entering the Course, the Spectator acknowledges risk of being struck by a golf ball and agrees
that they are assuming all risk and danger arising from their attendance at the event. To the extent
permissible by law the promoter, venue, European Tour, players, sponsors and their respective
employees, servants, agents, independent contractors or representatives will not be liable for any
injury, loss or damage suffered by any person entering the venue including liability for any injury,
loss or damage caused by the negligence of the promoter or venue, their employees, contractors
or agents.
21. By entering the Course, Spectators consent to being photographed, filmed and recorded at the
Tournament (including by CCTV), and consent to use of any such film, image or recording at the
discretion of the promoter and/or European Tour and their licensees and partners without
compensation or notice.
22. Spectators must comply with these regulations and all relevant statutes, signs, safety
announcements, directions of stewards and whilst attending the Tournament. Breach of any of
these regulations or any unacceptable behaviour likely to cause damage, nuisance or injury shall
enable the venue or event management to revoke the ticket and to eject the holder without
compensation.
23. Tickets are non-transferable. Any transfer of this ticket will render it void. The ticket remains the
property of the Tournament at all times.
INFORMATION CENTRE
The Information Centre is located at the entrance to the Tented Village. Programmes
and draw sheets are also available here.
INTERACTIVE ZONE
The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Interactive Zone offers fans the chance to get in on
the action! If you fancy fine tuning your swing, or just having a go, head up from the
Championship Village towards the Practice Range where youll find a host of golfing
activities for the whole family. As well as the Confederation of Golf in Ireland
coaching unit, there are also 3 Nike Nets where you can learn to hit it like the pros!
LOST CHILDREN
Children who become separated from their parents or guardians will be taken to the
PSNI. Contact the nearest Marshal or Official if your child is lost.
Wheelchair users and those who cannot avail of the FREE public park and ride
shuttle scheme should contact our hotline on 0800 023 2557/ 1890 252 689 (Irish
Customers) or email tickets@europeantour.com to ensure that they are issued with
a car park label to access the event. It is reminded that blue badge holders will not
automatically be admitted access to Royal County Down Golf Club.
On Course
There is a dedicated viewing area on the 18th Green and 17th Green for wheelchair
users and their carers.
All tented structures within the Championship Village have ramps for access as well
as steps.
There will be disabled toilet facilities at all public restroom locations.
Unfortunately due to the challenging ground conditions at Royal County Down Golf
Club, private mobility scooters will not be permitted onto the event grounds. To
ensure the safety of all who require a scooter for mobility reasons, Bluebird Care,
sponsor to the DDF Irish Open will be able to take bookings for appropriate scooters
to use on course. They will also give out safety briefings on the venue and distribute
recommended routes that include safe paths, facilities & the viewing platforms that
are built for patrons with limited mobility. Bookings for the above service can be
made through Bluebird Care who can be contacted at the following address:
http://bluebirdcare.ie/partners/irish-open/
PARKING
The public car parks are located at Donard Park and Walk and Northfield Park and
Ride. Please follow the AA signs and NOT your GPS system when approaching
Newcastle. These signs will direct you to the best possible route for the event.
Donard Park is a 20 minute walk through the town of Newcastle to the event
please use the Park and Ride if you have mobility issues, where there is a reserved
area for Blue Badge customers.
THERE IS A SEPARATE TRANSPORT LEAFLET DETAILING HOW TO GET TO
AND FROM THE EVENT AT THE END OF THIS GUIDE.
PETS
No pets are allowed, with the exception of guide dogs, on the course and we
respectfully suggest that you do not leave your pet in the car.
PLAYERS
This is a full field European Tour event consisting of the leading European Tour
professionals. The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open hosted by the Rory Foundation has a
world-class field attending this year including the following line up:
Rory McIlroy, Sergio Garcia, Ernie Els, Rickie Fowler, Graeme McDowell, Lee
Westwood, Stephen Gallacher, Shane Lowry, Luke Donald, Patrick Reed, Martin
Kaymer, Padrig Harrington, Darren Clarke, Paul McGinley
Please visit www.europeantour.com for further updates and player related releases.
On the Friday night of the tournament the field is cut to 65 players and ties.
PRACTICE RANGE AND SHORT GAME AREA
The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Practice Range and Short Game area is located
alongside the 18th fairway at Royal County Down Golf Club. The Practice Ground is
managed by Royal County Down Golf Club.
PRIZE FUND
The tournament prize fund is 2,500,000 with the winners cheque totalling
416,660.00
PROGRAMME & DAILY DRAWSHEET
Souvenir Programmes and the Daily Drawsheets are available for sale in the
Welcome Pavilion and the Information Centre.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
The following items are prohibited from being taken beyond ticket and security
checkpoints or into the venue; cameras on Match Days; ladders; picnic baskets;
briefcases; portable TVs; pushchairs; bicycles; deckchairs; audible pagers and
banners; personal mobility scooters.
PRO-AM
The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Pro-Am is the best opportunity for fans to see a
variety of famous Celebrities from the world of Television and Sport play alongside
some of Europes elite Golfing professionals on the Championship Links at Royal
County Down Golf Club.
Wednesday 27th May Pro-Am commences at 07:30am and 12:30pm. Full draw will
be listed on www.europeantour.com on Monday 25th May.
Day
P&R Operating
Hours
Tuesday
0830-1730
0630-2200
Friday
0630-2200
Saturday
0700-2230
Sunday
0700-2230
From Belfast
Translink are operating additional Ulsterbus services between Belfast and Newcastle
from Tuesday 26 May Sunday 31 May. Services will operate from 06.00a.m half
hourly during peak times.
Visit www.translink.co.uk/irishopen to plan your journey.
Cairnshill Park & Ride/Share
Free car parking is available at Cairnshill Park & Ride, and this site will be open on
Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st May, specifically for the use of those wishing to travel
with Translink to the Irish Open. Ulsterbus services pick-up and set-down at the
Primrose Hill stop on the Saintfield Road.
Visit www.translink.co.uk/irishopen to plan your journey.
From Dublin/Newry
Translink Ulsterbus / Bus Eireann operate an hourly X1 service from Dublin City
Centre (Busaras). This service connects with Ulsterbus Goldline Service 240 in Newry
Buscentre which will take you to Newcastle.
Visit www.translink.co.uk/irishopen to plan your journey.
Car Parking at Great Northern Car Park (Belfast Europa Buscentre)
A special car parking rate 6 all day is available at Great Northern Car Park (Belfast
Europa Buscentre) during the Irish Open. Anyone using the car park should provide
proof of Translink travel to the tournament to receive their discounted rate from the car
park attendant.
Visit www.translink.co.uk/irishopen for details.
TRAVEL BY PRIVATE COACH:
All private coach travel arriving in Newcastle will be directed to St Marys School
adjacent to the GAA fields. Please follow AA Signage which will direct you to this
area. It is then a 5 minute walk onwards to the Welcome Pavilion.
TRAVEL BY TRAIN:
NI Railways
Normal scheduled NI Railways services will operate during the period of the
tournament. Spectators are encouraged to travel by train and make their onward
journey to Newcastle with Ulsterbus.
Visit www.translink.co.uk/irishopen to plan your journey.
Enterprise Train (from Dublin)
Normal scheduled Enterprise train services will operate during the period of the
tournament.
A special coach service is available to book online at www.translink.co.uk/irishopen
and will operate Thursday 28 May - Saturday 30 May from Newry Train Station to
Newcastle Bus Station at times below. This coach service does NOT operate on
Sunday 31 May.
Enterprise
Dublin Connolly
Newry
Special Bus Service (Online
Only)
Newry Train Station
Newcastle Bus Station
dept
arr
07.35
08.50
dept
arr
09.00
09.45
dept
arr
17.50
18.45
dept
arr
19.04
20.15