Ulster University is proud to be an official partner of The 153rd Open, taking place this week at Royal Portrush Golf Club. With the university’s Coleraine campus just a short drive from the course, Ulster’s staff and students are playing an active role in supporting this prestigious global sporting event through a range of volunteer and operational roles.
Among the volunteers are Dr Kyle Paradis, Helen Tung, and Holly McCormick – three individuals whose backgrounds reflect the calibre of talent being developed at Ulster University to support the future of global golf, tourism, and events.
Dr Kyle Paradis
Dr Kyle Paradis, Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science and an expert in sport psychology, is marshalling at the iconic 13th hole. A single-digit handicap golfer, Kyle represented Ireland in curling and now uses his international sporting experience to lead Ulster’s BSc Hons Sport and Exercise Science programme in Belfast. He said:
"Being part of The Open as a volunteer is a dream come true. Royal Portrush is one of the most stunning and challenging courses in the world, and to experience it up close – while contributing to the smooth running of such a major championship – is incredibly rewarding.
As someone who teaches sport performance and psychology, it’s also a fascinating opportunity to observe elite athletes competing under pressure in real time."
Helen Tung
Also supporting the championship is Helen Tung, a qualified barrister and avid golfer who found her passion for the sport during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Having recently relocated to Northern Ireland, Helen is volunteering with The R&A across on-course operations and community engagement initiatives.
She will join Ulster’s new MSc in Golf Management at Coleraine in September 2025, bringing legal insight and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion in the sport.
Reflecting on her experience Helen said:
"Volunteering at The Open is an incredible chance to be immersed in one of golf’s greatest stages. It’s inspiring to see what goes into making a global event like this happen – from operations to community outreach. My decision to pursue the MSc in Golf Management at Ulster reflects my commitment to building a future in the industry, and this experience is the perfect starting point."
Holly McCormick
Holly McCormick, an alumna of Ulster’s International Travel and Tourism Management programme, is volunteering with the VIP hospitality team at The Open.
Holly is currently completing a prestigious placement at the Frenchman’s Reserve Country Club in Florida, gaining valuable hands-on experience in luxury golf hospitality.
Following her time there, Holly hopes to return to Ulster in September 2026 to study on the MSc Golf Management, with aspirations to lead in luxury golf and tourism experiences worldwide. She said:
"I’m thrilled to be back home and volunteering at The Open, especially in a role that ties so closely to my experience in luxury golf hospitality.
Events like this showcase the very best of Northern Ireland, and I’m excited to further my career by returning to Ulster for the new MSc in Golf Management. The university has given me the skills and confidence to thrive in the industry, and I can’t wait to see where this next step takes me."
MSc in Golf Management
Learn more about the MSc in Golf Management and how Ulster University is leading the way in developing jobs for the future in golf, tourism and event management.
Set to welcome its first students in September 2025, Ulster’s MSc in Golf Management is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in high-end golf events, luxury tourism, and sports business.
Delivered from the Coleraine campus – just minutes from Royal Portrush – the programme offers unique opportunities for hands-on experience in a region increasingly recognised for hosting world-class events.
Dr Peter Bolan, Course Director of the MSc in Golf Management at Ulster University, said:
"Having The Open Championship return to Royal Portrush offers a unique opportunity for our students and staff to get involved in one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events – right on our doorstep.
These hands-on experiences, from volunteering roles to direct industry engagement, are what truly set this programme apart and reflect the strong links we’ve built with the golf sector.
It’s a fantastic example of how location and academic ambition can come together to deliver something genuinely special for students."
Ulster University’s presence at The Open reflects a wider commitment to developing the jobs of the future in golf, tourism, and event management across the North West. By combining academic excellence with real-world experience, Ulster is creating pathways for students and professionals to thrive on the global stage.
Applications and further details
Places are still available for the MSc in Golf Management starting in September 2025
