Tourism Ireland agency highlighted Ireland as a premier global golf destination at this year’s Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia, USA leveraging one of the sport’s most prestigious stages to promote Ireland’s unrivaled golfing experience to media and golf industry leaders from North America.
Since 1934, Augusta Masters Tournament has been home to some of golf’s greatest moments. Hosted in April at Augusta National Golf Club during four days, it is one of the major golf events in the USA.
Building on the global profile of Irish golf, driven by the continued success and standout performances of Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry, Tourism Ireland engaged with key stakeholders throughout Masters week, attending the Golf Writers Association of America Awards Dinner and, of course, hosting its annual golf media networking event, to encourage increased coverage of Ireland as a must-visit golf destination for 2026 and beyond.
Alison Metcalfe, Executive Vice President, Tourism Ireland North America, Australia and New Zealand, “We are delighted to be engaging with key media partners to showcase the island of Ireland as a world-class golf destination. The success of Ireland’s players in both the men’s and women’s game together with a track record of hosting major events has significantly elevated Ireland’s golfing profile on the global stage, and we are building on that momentum. Who can forget Rory’s epic victory last year at Augusta National! With a strong pipeline of major events, including the Ryder Cup in 2027, and continued investment in exceptional courses, there has never been a better time to consider Ireland for a golfing trip of a lifetime.”
A string of golf events in 2026
Looking ahead, this year key tournaments such as the Amgen Irish Open at Trump International Golf Links and the KPMG Women’s Irish Open at the K Club will further reinforce Ireland’s status as a major tournament destination.
Ireland will of course then take center stage in the global golfing calendar as Adare Manor prepares to welcome the Ryder Cup in 2027, an event that will showcase Ireland to a worldwide audience.
Tourism Ireland is also highlighting continued investment in the game, with new developments such as Curracloe Links, set to open in 2027 and the recently unveiled Hawthorn course by Galway Bay, adding to the island’s already impressive links offering.
Ireland, a global player for golf tourism
Ireland’s reputation continues to grow, supported by a rich golfing heritage and an extraordinary portfolio of courses. With over 400 golf courses, including approximately one third of the world’s true links courses, the island of Ireland offers a unique blend of challenge, beauty, and authenticity.
From world renowned venues such as Royal Portrush host of the 2025 Open Championship, Royal County Down, Ballybunion and Lahinch, to hidden gems like Ardglass, Carne, Ballyliffin and Connemara, the island delivers unforgettable experiences for golfers of all levels.
Tourism Ireland’s presence at the Masters forms part of its broader strategy to position the island of Ireland as a leading golf tourism destination in the United States, one of the world’s largest golf travel markets. By promoting not just the quality of its courses but also its unique hospitality, culture, and spectacular landscapes, Tourism Ireland aims to inspire golfers and media alike to experience the island firsthand.
With convenient non-stop air access from 23 US cities and the added benefit of US Custom and Border Pre-clearance at Dublin and Shannon airports, traveling to Ireland has never been easier. Tourism Ireland looks forward to welcoming golfers, media and visitors to experience everything the island has to offer in the years ahead.
