Tourism Minister Arlene Foster has congratulated RoryMcIlroy on winning his second major title at the US PGA Championship, KiawahIsland.
Congratulating Rory on his latest win, Arlene Foster said: "The international spotlight is once again shining on the outstanding ability of our major-winning golfing champions. To win a second major title is no mean feat, and to do so at the age of 23 is an amazing achievement.
"Rory's win, combined with the recent success of the Irish Open, which saw record-breaking crowds through the gates of Royal Portrush, highlights how golf is continuing to offer Northern Ireland global exposure.
"Through golf tourism, an estimated £14m is generated for the economy every year, but as a result of the Irish Open we anticipate that this figure will rise sharply. The tournament not only showcased our golf but also other aspects of Northern Ireland, such as our friendly people, fantastic food,music and scenery.
"Yet again our local golfers have shown that they can compete with the world's best. As they continue to raise the profile, more people from around the world will come to Northern Ireland, to play the courses that our local golfers enjoy, and they will spend their money in the local economy."
The Minister continued: "Rory's success at the US PGA Championship is a fitting end to an amazing period for sport with Team GBNI producing an outstanding performance at the Olympics. Our sporting champions are great ambassadors for Northern Ireland and it is our responsibilityto capitalise on their success.
"The Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Tourism Ireland are both working to make the most of the opportunities that our local stars are creating, to encourage the world to see for themselves why we are the home of champions."
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