Irish Open mania in full swing

It’s a sell out. Rafa Cabrera-Bello tees off in the Irish Open Pro-Am at Royal Portrush. Picture ©Getty ImagesIrish Open mania tees off tomorrow with Royal Portrush a complete sellout for all four days.

Crowds will officially top 108,000 making it the first sellout and the biggest regular event EVER on the European Tour outside The Open or a World Golf Championship.

But with kids 16 and under getting in free, figures for the entire week could see up to 150,000 fans battle to see heroes Rory McIlroy, Padraig Harrington, Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell.

Championship director Antonia Beggs warned ticketless fans: “Following the announcement that the first three days were sold out, we’ve had considerable uptake for Thursday which has culminated in us putting out the ‘SOLD OUT’ signs.

Sold out. Picture ©Getty Images“We urge spectators not to arrive at the gate in hope of purchasing tickets as there will be no further sales.”

Graeme McDowell would love to lift the title in his hometown and believes a win would be as special as his magical US Open victory or 2010 Ryder Cup heroics.

McDowell said: “It would be one of the most special moments of my career, right up there with winning at Pebble and the winning putt at Celtic Manor.”

He added: “It will be buzzing on Sunday afternoon if an Irishman has a chance to win here and it will be a lot of fun.”

The party could be even more special

As McDowell said: “To win there this weekend, there will be a pretty kick-ass party somewhere in town Sunday night.”