Golf ace Hoey helps launch Ulster Bank backing for NI Open

Ulster Bank's Neil Cooke (right) and Terry Robb (centre) help NI Open Challenge tournament ambassador Michael Hoey clock up some practice ahead of upcoming European Tour events, the international Final Qualifier for the Open at Sunningdale and the Irish Open at Carton House.

Michael also helped launch Ulster Bank’s partnership with the NI Open event which takes place at Galgorm Castle from August 29 – September 1st as part of the 2013 European Challenge Tour.

Multiple European and Challenge Tour Winner Michael Hoey will headline the starting line-up for the prestigious tournament held in Northern Ireland for the first time in over ten years.

Ulster Bank has continued to support Galgorm Castle’s professional golf tournaments; backing the PGS EuroPro tournaments in 2011 and 2012 at Galgorm Castle and it was the success of these competitions which enabled the eminent Ballymena based golf club to move up a notch and secure a European Challenge Tour event.

Paying tribute to Ulster Bank’s sponsorship support for the third successive year, Gary Henry, General Manager of Galgorm Castle said, “We are delighted that Ulster Bank has again become a partner in hosting major international golf events at Galgorm Castle. These events continue to showcase Northern Ireland as a top golfing destination.

“The event will also create the opportunity for the Northern Ireland public to enjoy world class golf on their doorstep. We appreciate Ulster Bank’s continued support in helping to make this all possible.”

Michael Hoey said, “I am delighted to be able to help Galgorm Castle Golf Club promote this year’s NI Challenge Open. Challenge Tour was an important part of my earlier career and helped me develop my golfing skills in an internationally competitive environment.”

Neil Cooke, Regional Manager, Ulster Bank Private Banking said, “At Ulster Bank we’re very pleased to have played our part in helping Galgorm Castle grow its professional tournament stature to the next level and host a PGA European Tour managed ‘Challenge Tour’ event.

“In addition to its sponsorship of professional golf tournaments at Galgorm since 2011, Ulster Bank’s Private Banking division has also given support to many local golfers who have gone on to achieve huge success on a global platform.”

For more details on the NI Open Challenge and to purchase tickets visit www.niopen.co.uk