Twelve elected members of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council travelled to Troon for The Open last weekend on a ‘fact-finding’ trip ahead of the event being hosted in Portrush next year.
The dozen from the council’s Leisure and Development Committee were joined by a council officer on the day trip, with representatives from Sinn Féin, the DUP, UUP, the TUV and Alliance in attendance.
While tickets and hospitality at the major golf tournament was paid for by event organisers Royal & Ancient, travel costs were covered by ratepayers in the council area to the cost of £2525.
One member of the travelling party also had an overnight hotel stay paid for by the council.
The only one of four major golf tournaments to take place outside the US, Portrush will host the event once again next July after previously hosting in 2019.
One councillor, who did not wish to be named, told The Irish News it was “highly unusual” for so many elected members to avail of such a trip.
The 15 members of the committee received the invitation to attend the golf event on June 7 and were asked to respond within three days.
Previous to Portrush hosting the tournament in 2019, a delegation of four councillors were invited to attend the Open at Troon in 2016.
A statement from Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council said the trip will “aid preparations and best practice’ ahead of the 153rd Open next year”.
The local authority was asked to outline the total cost to the ratepayer for the trip and why it was necessary for so many councillors to attend, but at the time of publication had not addressed those questions directly.
“Council has paid the travel costs of 12 elected members and one council officer, including one overnight hotel stay to facilitate a familiarisation visit to The Open at Troon,” a spokesperson said.
“The R&A has paid for the rest of the visit during which the invited party will have the opportunity to glean a better understanding of delivery of an event of this magnitude.
“This visit will help aid preparations and best practice in advance of next year’s Open being held in Royal Portrush.
“Members of the Leisure and Development Committee will decide on the off course plans and ensure the effective delivery of the upcoming 2025 Open. The Council will lead on ‘off course’ aspects of the event including the critical traffic and transport plan.
“Elected Members will provide oversight of these plans. The R&A has recognised the significant contribution of the local authority in the resounding success of the 2019 Open.”
