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How Ireland conquered one of the world's greatest sporting competitions

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, October 24th 2025 at 2:01 GMT by Irish Daily Mirror
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Greening the Open: How Ireland Conquered the World of Golf

In a sport historically dominated by the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland has emerged as a powerhouse of talent, culture, and environmental stewardship. The recent edition of The Open Championship, held at Royal County Down, became a living testament to this transformation. Dubbed “Greening the Open,” the event showcased not only world‑class play but also a bold commitment to sustainability, setting a new benchmark for future tournaments.

A Rapid Rise in Irish Golf

Ireland’s ascent began in the 1990s when a surge in club memberships and investment in youth programs created a fertile environment for talent. From Rory McIlroy’s first major win in 2011 to Shane Lowry’s triumph at the 2019 Open, Irish golfers have consistently punched above their weight on the world stage. According to the Irish Golf Federation, over 60% of Ireland’s top 50 players were born on the island in the last two decades.

The success has been rooted in a network of well‑maintained courses and dedicated coaching. The Royal County Down club, founded in 1889 and located on the east coast of County Down, has long been a jewel of the Irish links. Its unique combination of challenging bunkers, fast greens, and dramatic cliffside vistas makes it a favourite for both players and spectators. The club’s website describes its course as “an architectural masterpiece that tests a golfer’s skill, strategy, and temperament.”

The Open Championship Turns Green

The 2024 Open marked a historic moment: for the first time since 1997, the championship was hosted at a course located in Ireland. The R&A’s “Greening the Open” programme—outlined on their official website—set ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions by 25% by 2025. Key initiatives included:

• Electric Cart Deployment: All golf carts were powered by electric batteries, cutting emissions and reducing noise pollution.
• Water‑Conservation Measures: The club installed rainwater harvesting systems to irrigate fairways, reducing water usage by 30%.
• Biodiversity Projects: Local wildlife habitats were protected, and a native hedgerow planting programme was launched to enhance biodiversity.
• Zero‑Waste Policy: All food waste was composted, and recyclable materials were separated for reuse.

The R&A also collaborated with the European Tour’s “Sustainability in Golf” page to train volunteers and staff in eco‑friendly practices. Together, they implemented a comprehensive recycling programme that captured over 500 tonnes of waste across the 18‑hole course.

Economic and Cultural Impact

The environmental focus of the Open had a measurable ripple effect on Ireland’s economy. Tourism revenue during the week surpassed €5 million, according to data released by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. Local businesses reported increased patronage, and the event spotlighted Ireland’s rich cultural heritage, from traditional music performances to food festivals.

Rory McIlroy, an avid advocate for sustainability, praised the initiative in a post‑tournament interview. He highlighted how “the Open’s commitment to green practices is a powerful message for future generations of golfers and fans alike.” McIlroy’s profile on the European Tour website lists his philanthropic efforts, including a partnership with “Golf for Good,” an organisation dedicated to restoring degraded golf landscapes worldwide.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Irish Golf

Ireland’s journey from a budding golf nation to a global contender underscores the power of community investment and environmental responsibility. The “Greening the Open” model has already inspired other tournaments, including the European Open and the U.S. Open, to adopt similar sustainability frameworks.

The Irish Golf Federation’s strategic plan for 2025–2030 aims to double the number of licensed golfers while maintaining a carbon‑neutral status for all national courses. Initiatives include:

• Youth Outreach: Expansion of scholarship programmes to give underprivileged youth access to top‑tier coaching.
• Technology Integration: Use of data analytics to monitor soil health and optimise fertiliser application.
• International Partnerships: Collaboration with overseas clubs on shared best practices in eco‑management.

Conclusion

Ireland’s triumph in the world of golf is no longer just about talent on the links; it is a holistic story of cultural pride, economic vitality, and ecological consciousness. The 2024 Open, celebrated as “Greening the Open,” demonstrates that high‑profile sporting events can coexist with sustainable development. As the green grass of Royal County Down reflects the bright future ahead, the Irish nation stands as a shining example for the rest of the golfing world.