Running from July 25 to August 1, it will offer a diverse range of competitions, including gents, ladies, seniors, mixed and junior events both in Stableford and Stroke formats.

A Gents Greensomes and a Ladies Greensomes have been arranged for the Thursday to make it a “a true festival of golf”.

Captain Bryan Martin told the TIMES:”Carrickfergus is a real jewel in East Antrim, the course has recovered tremendously considering the wet weather we have experienced earlier this year and our greens are the envy of many other clubs.

“The clubhouse has that continual buzz and visitors are made extremely welcome and can be assured of a successful week of competitive golf and the opportunity of making new friends which after all is what the game of golf is about and Carrickfergus Golf Club famous for.”

Not only have most of the sponsors returned to support Open Week but they have been joined by two newcomers, Energy Savings Trust and B&B Automatics.

Issac Jardine, Open Week co-ordinator, is greatly appreciative of the sponsors’ increased support which allows the event to boast over £4,000 in prizes together with daily fun prizes such as £150 for the first hole-in-one at the sneaky 7th and a prize for the nearest the pin with the 2nd shot at the final 18th.

Booking for times starts on Saturday through the club professional James Orchin either in person or by telephone (028) 9335 1803.

Open Week programme:

25 July, Men’s Open Stableford

26 July, Men’s Open Stableford; Open Mixed Greensomes Stroke

27 July, Open Men’s Seniors; Men’s Fourball Betterball

28 July, Open Juniors Stableford; Ladies Open Stableford

29 July, Men’s Open Stableford

30 July, Men’s Greensomes Competition; Ladies’ Greensomes Competition

31 July, Men’s Fourball Betterball Stableford

1 August, Men’s Open Stroke.