The Rory Effect: Surge in Irish Booking Overseas Golf Holidays Since McIlroy’s Masters Triumph

Rory McIlroy’s historic and epic Green Jacket victory at the Masters, in Augusta on Sunday, has seemingly had a huge knock-on effect for golf tourism, with demand for overseas golf holidays, amongst Irish consumers, rocketing in the last few days.

According to package holiday specialists, On the Beach, events at the 89th Masters at Augusta National, inspired bookings to golf resorts departing from Ireland to rocket up 50%, with Spain’s Costa del Sol and Portugal’s Algarve among the favourite destinations. 

As McIlroy prepared to face a sudden-death playoff to decide his Masters championship, On the Beach bookings to golf resorts had doubled in the run up to the historic Career Grand Slam winning putt. 

Zoe Harris, chief customer officer at On the Beach UK & Ireland comments: “Rory McIlroy’s win is certainly one for the history books and it’s incredible to see the immediate impact a nail-biting moment of sport can have on a nation. 

“Whether it’s a group trip maximising time on the green or an active family seeking fun in the sun, resorts cater for all levels of golfers, the only thing you need to pack is a green jacket.” 

Experts at On the Beach have shared their best-by-par golf resort deals worthy of 18-holes in the sun this summer: 

• The five star As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa in Vilamoura, promises a relaxing coastal stay as well as enjoying the nearby golf course and unique virtual reality golf simulator. A five night self-catering stay with Ryanair flights leaving from Dublin on Sunday 8 June costs just €668.88pp.
• The four star Ona Valle Romano Golf & Resort in Estepona, sits on 60 hectares of golf course designed by Cabell B. Robinson, one of the most prominent golf course designers in the world as well as two outdoor pools, a kids club, gym and paddle tennis courts. A seven-night B&B stay with Ryanair flights departing from Dublin on Wednesday 2nd July costs just €574pp
• The four star Elba Sara Beach & Golf Resort in Fuerteventura, caters for the more serious golfers with the Fuerteventura Golf Club Development as well as the mini-McIlroy’s with miniature golf also on-site. A seven-night half-board stay with Ryanair flights departing from Dublin on Friday 11th July costs just €1029.93pp
• The five star El Plantio Golf Resort in Costa Blanca caters for days working on your swing with its two golf courses followed by dips in the sea just a five minute drive away.  A seven-night B&B stay with Ryanair flights departing from Dublin on Tuesday 3rd June costs just €736.42pp