Niall Horan's golf management company to scout talent in Ireland this summer
Rory McIlroy (R) and One Direction singer Niall Horan
The 22-year-old singer’s golf management company, Modest! Golf, has been announced as the official partner of the Northern Ireland Open at Galgorm Castle in Ballymena in July.
And the Mullingar heart-throb will scout the promising players on show from July 28 to 31.
“The next generation of golfers is a huge focus for us as a business,” said Niall who is a director of Modest! Golf.
“You only need to look at the history of the Challenge Tour to see the calibre of player it produces.”
He added: “We are hugely excited to be official partners to the Northern Ireland Open and welcome some amazing golf talent from across the world to participate.”
Co-director Mark McDonnell, who formerly worked as account manager for golf equipment company TaylorMade-Adidas, added: “Modest! Golf are delighted to be working with the Challenge Tour and Galgorm on this event.
“We are excited to come to Northern Ireland, a country that continues to produce some of the best players in the world.”
This week, Niall will also be showing his support for his pal Rory McIlroy by playing at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, hosted by The Rory Foundation.
Three famous faces from Northern Ireland will also join the duo to play in the Irish Open’s Pro-Am competition on Wednesday at The K Club.
Retired champion jockey AP McCoy, The Secret actor James Nesbitt and Northern Ireland football legend Pat Jennings have been announced for the star-studded event on Wednesday.
Budding golfer Tom McKibbin, who won the World Kids Championship at Pinehurst in August, has also accepted an invite from the Holywood golfer to play at the Irish Open’s Pro-Am event.
In a bid to nurture young talent, like Belfast Royal Academy pupil Tom, Modest! Golf appointed Ian Watts as head of their golf development division.
Mark said: “Ian boasts over 20 years experience in the golf industry dealing with some of the worlds best players on a daily basis.
“We are delighted he has decided to join the team.”
Tickets for the Northern Ireland Open are free and can be secured by registering online at www.niopen.golf.
Tickets for the Irish Open start at €30 per day and can be purchased via www.dubaidutyfreeirishopen.com. A portion of all tickets sales this year will go towards the Rory Foundation which helps children’s charities across the globe.
