Ulster Unionist sports spokesperson Michael McGimpsey MLA has paid tribute to the contribution made by Northern Ireland golfers Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell to Europe’s Ryder Cup success at Gleneagles.
Mr McGimpsey said:
"This weekend many millions of people were transfixed to their television screens as the best golfers in Europe and the USA competed at Gleneagles in Scotland for the Ryder Cup.
“It is a source of huge pride in Northern Ireland that two local golfers, Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell, made such a massive contribution to Europe’s victory and the entire Province shares their achievement tonight.
“Northern Ireland golf is on a crest of a wave at the minute, with this weekend’s Ryder Cup victory coming hard on the heels of Major wins by Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell and Darren Clarke.
“The icing on the cake will be when The Open Championship returns to Royal Portrush, hopefully in 2019, its first time in Northern Ireland since 1951.”