Tourism NI backs “world-class” Black Desert NI Legends golf event at Galgorm

Siobhan McGuigan, Head of Events at Tourism NI, pictured with Ross Oliver, Director of Golf at Galgorm.

Tourism Northern Ireland has announced its support for the inaugural Black Desert NI Legends, a major new addition to the Legends Tour calendar, which will take place at Galgorm’s Championship course in Co Antrim from 27–31 August 2025.

The tournament brings some of golf’s most recognisable names to Northern Ireland, including former world number one and Masters champion Ian Woosnam, who is serving as Tournament Ambassador.

He will be joined by former Open champion Paul Lawrie and Ryder Cup player turned Sky Sports commentator David Howell, among others.

Tourism NI described the competition as a “world-class tournament” that further cements Northern Ireland’s reputation as a leading golf destination.

Legends and local heroes unite

As part of the event, the Legends Pro-Am on 27 August will feature Northern Ireland football icons taking on a Legends select team, offering fans another chance to see their sporting heroes up close.

For amateur golfers, the event also presents a rare opportunity to play alongside some of the sport’s most accomplished professionals.

Galgorm’s 20th professional tournament

The Black Desert NI Legends marks the 20th professional tournament staged at Galgorm, a venue that has already hosted the 2020 Irish Open, the tri-sanctioned World Invitational and the NI Open.

The NI Open itself drew record crowds for a Challenge Tour event, with more than 22,000 spectators attending, nearly one-fifth of whom travelled from outside Northern Ireland.

Last year’s Black Desert NI Open attracted 1,180 participants, generated over 7,000 bednights, and contributed an estimated £1.19m to the local economy.

A boost for international tourism

The Black Desert NI Legends is among 14 events to receive support from Tourism NI’s International Tourism Events Fund (ITEF), designed to attract visitors from across the globe and enhance Northern Ireland’s profile as a premier travel destination.

Siobhan McGuigan, Head of Events at Tourism NI, said:

“We are excited to welcome the Black Desert NI Legends this August, in what is an incredibly exciting year for golf in Northern Ireland. The NI Legends Open, held at Galgorm’s championship Castle Course, showcases that Northern Ireland is indeed Made for Golf.

“Tourism NI is proud to support this world-class tournament, which draws golf enthusiasts from across the globe. Events like this not only celebrate our rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes but also showcase the superb facilities we offer to golfers worldwide.

“We’re looking forward to an unforgettable experience for players and spectators alike.”

Ross Oliver, Director of Golf at Galgorm, added:

“We are delighted to welcome the Legends Tour to Galgorm to host the first Black Desert NI Legends on the senior circuit where so many legends of the game will be on show during tournament week.

“It is especially good to mark our 20th professional tournament at Galgorm in the same year. We welcome the support and funding from Tourism Northern Ireland, who have been key partners for all the professional events at Galgorm over the years.”

Further details and ticket information are available at www.legendstour.com.