RYDER CUP STARS CONFIRMED FOR LEGENDS EVENT AT GALGORM
Black Desert NI Legends Tournament Ambassador Ian Woosnam will be joined by fellow Ryder Cup players, Stephen Gallacher, David Howell and Peter Baker at Galgorm
July 31, 2025
By Paul Gallagher
A summer of world class golf in Northern Ireland keeps on giving and just weeks after The Open at Royal Portrush attention now turns to Galgorm where a trio of Ryder Cup legends are confirmed to play in the new Black Desert NI Legends event from August 27-31, 2025.
The NI Legends is a new event on the Legends Tour, the senior tour for players 50 and over, and includes household names and legends of the game. Tournament Ambassador Ian Woosnam is a former world number one, Masters champion, an eight-time Ryder Cup player and Ryder Cup captain at The K-Club in Ireland in 2006.
At the tournament’s official launch ‘Woosie’ said: “I am delighted to be heading back to Ireland to compete in this new Legends Tour event. Golf in Northern Ireland is thriving, especially with Rory McIlroy completing golf’s Grand Slam in 2025.”
In recent days, tournament organisers confirmed Welshman Woosnam will be joined by a trio of fellow Ryder Cup players with Stephen Gallacher, David Howell, and Peter Baker all ready to compete at Galgorm.
A stellar field will compete in this exciting new event on the Legends Tour’s international schedule in what will be Galgorm’s 20th professional event at one of Northern Ireland’s premier tournament venues. Galgorm has previously hosted the Irish Open (2020), the World Invitational (2019, 2021-23) and 14 NI Opens.
Gallacher (50) was part of Paul McGinley’s European Ryder Cup team that defeated the Americans at Gleneagles in 2014. The Scot memorably won back‑to‑back Dubai Desert Classic titles when competing on the main DP World Tour.
Howell is another ‘new recruit’ to the senior circuit after just turning 50 in recent weeks. The English professional was a stalwart of the European Tour during the 2000s and a member of two winning European Ryder Cup teams in 2004 and 2006.
Baker is the third Ryder Cup legend to be announced for Galgorm in recent days and at 57 he might be considered the elder statesman of the trio. The English golfer played in the 1993 Ryder Cup winning three points out of four but ultimately lost to the Americans.
Ross Oliver, Director of Golf at Galgorm, said: “We are delighted to confirm Stephen Gallacher, David Howell and Peter Baker for the inaugural Black Desert NI Legends event. They along with Tournament Ambassador Ian Woosnam bring a rich Ryder Cup pedigree to the event which promises to be another wonderful week for golf in Northern Ireland.”
Tournament week gets underway from Wednesday, August 27th with a dedicated celebrity pro-am over the championship Castle Course at Galgorm. This will be a great opportunity for young autograph hunters to meet their sporting idols.
The 54-hole tournament gets underway from Friday, August 29th and concludes on Sunday 31st. Tickets are now on sale and the tournament is open to the general public. On site parking is available while daily and weekly passes are available from as little as £12.50. Free admission for children under 16.
A vibrant Spectator Village will be in place at Galgorm, offering something for everyone to enjoy. Attractions planned include a themed bar, golf simulator, prestige car display, Galgorm pop-up shop, and a range of interactive zones and exhibitors. Guests can also look forward to an artisan food and drink offering, further updates to be announced soon.
PLAYER BIOS:
Stephen Gallacher
Country: Scotland
DOB: 01/11/74
Age: 50
Turned Pro: 1995
Professional wins: 5
Ryder Cup: Represented Europe in 2014 at Gleneagles (winners)
David Howell
Country: England
DOB: 23/06/75
Age: 50
Turned Pro: 1995
Professional wins: 7
Ryder Cup: Represented Europe in 2004 & 2006 (both winning teams)
Peter Baker
Country: England
DOB: 07/10/67
Age: 57
Turned Pro: 1986
Professional wins: 18
Ryder Cup: Represented Europe in 1993 (lost to the United States)
Black Desert NI Legends Tournament Ambassador
Ian Woosnam
Country: Wales
DOB: 02/03/58
Age: 67
Turned Pro: 1976
Professional wins: 52
Ryder Cup: Represented Europe 1983, ’85, ’87, ’89, ’91, ’93, ’95, ’97.
Ryder Cup Captain: 2006 at The K Club, Ireland
