Golf clubs across Northern Ireland plan events as Rory McIlroy set to star for Team Europe at the Ryder Cup

It is one of the biggest sporting events on earth and golf clubs across Northern Ireland are hoping to cash in for this year's Ryder Cup.

The bileniall contest gets under way today as Team Europe aim for a first win on US soil since 2012.

placeholder image — Rory McIlroy hopes to use hostile crowd to his advantage during this week's Ryder Cup

The Europeans are led by Holywood's own Rory McIlroy, who claims "one of the biggest accomplishments in golf is winning an away Ryder Cup."

Whilst McIlroy and his team-mates are going into the visitors' backyard in New York - members at Holywood have come up with their own theme thousands of miles away over the next few days.

In a social media post highlighting the weekend, Holywood Golf Club invited club members to "join us for the best weekend of golf."

The club has drink promotions and daily specials in the restaurant running all weekend.

There will also be friendly competition as a 9-hole event has been organised before they cheer on McIlroy and the European team.

Whilst McIlroy is set to be cheered on by his adoring fans across Europe - it is fair to say he will receive a somewhat mixed reception in New York.

He said: “It’s really just trying to find the balance of using that energy from the crowd to fuel your performance.”

Meanwhile, McIlroy’s former school Sullivan Upper have extended their best wishes to their ex-pupil.

Principal Mairs stated: “Sullivan Upper School is incredibly proud of former pupil Rory McIlroy’s achievements. We wish him every success for the weekend and look forward to cheering him on.”