Town tees up for Walker Cup

Royal County Down is one of the most spectacular venues in world golf

Thousands of visitors are expected in Newcastle this weekend as Great Britain and Ireland take on the USA in the Walker Cup at Royal County Down.

It is only the second time amateur golf's premier competition, which has been running since the end of World War I, has been staged in Ireland.

A spokesperson from Newcastle Tourist and Information Centre said about 10,000 people were expected to attend the competition and all accommodation had been fully booked.

Local interest in the event will be high with Holywood golfer Rory McIlroy and his Clandeboye teammate Jonathan Caldwell expected to lead the charge against a talented US side.

After winning the silver medal at the Open Championship at Carnoustie earlier this year, former Walker Cup captain Garth McGimpsey said the pressure would be on 18-year-old McIlroy to perform well.

"There are going to be about 10,000 spectators over the weekend, and I think that one of the other Walker Cup players joked that 9,500 would be watching Rory," the Bangor man said.

"He is the star of our team and let's hope he plays well."

Rory McIlroy will turn professional after the Walker Cup

Mr McGimpsey added that holding the event at Royal County Down was not only a magnificent advertisement for Irish golf, but also for the country as a whole.

"The last time it was played in Ireland was in Portmarnock in 1991, so for County Down to get it is a great achievement," he said.

"As long as people don't come (to Northern Ireland) in the middle of summer they will get good weather.

"We are expecting the greens to be very fast and the course will be looking fabulous

"It is every amateur's dream to play in the Walker Cup at a venue like Royal County Down against a top American team.

"These young men will not need any motivation, I can tell you that."

Both the Great Britain and Ireland team and their American counterparts have already arrived in Ireland ahead of this weekend's competition.

Speaking on Monday after arriving in Northern Ireland with the rest of the Walker Cup team, McIlroy said retaining the trophy was paramount.

"I can't wait to get started and Johnny and me are particularly excited about it," he said.

"It's weird flying back home to play in the Walker Cup but we want to regain the trophy and I don't really care how I do as long as the team is successful."

Caldwell and McIlroy are tipped to be paired together for the tournament which will be played at the Newcastle course on Saturday and Sunday.