The NI Legends returns to Galgorm Castle Golf Club this week for its second edition, bringing top-class golf back to Northern Ireland. A proven championship venue, Galgorm has previously hosted the Irish Open, the Northern Ireland Open and the World Invitational.

Markus Brier returns as defending champion, at a venue where he claimed victory in difficult conditions 12 months ago. He is joined by 2005 US Open champion Michael Campbell, Ryder Cup stars David Howell and Stephen Gallacher, as well as Steven Alker, who has enjoyed huge success on the PGA Tour Champions in recent seasons.

Brier, who returns to Galgorm having found real affection for the course and the country, reflected on being the defending champion: “Northern Ireland is like my second country — the people are really friendly and have been very welcoming to me coming back. The course is in great shape, the greens are running very true, and it’s a lot about positioning your tee shots — it’s not a bombers’ course, and that helps my game a lot.”

The Austrian’s win last year was earned in testing conditions, and he believes that experience will serve him well again. “Last year it was really brutal, and it worked well for me. My most significant memory was playing the 7th, 8th and 9th on the Saturday in two-under while it was pouring down, when I think everyone else played them in three-over. That’s where I won the tournament. On the Sunday the sun came out, and it was just a perfect week.”

As for returning with a target on his back, Brier is taking it in his stride. “I just take it as it comes — every week is different. It’s a new tournament, I played well 12 months ago, but that’s long gone now.”

Also in the field this week is New Zealand’s Alker, who arrives after recently securing back-to-back wins on the PGA Tour Champions, having previously also won on the Legends Tour in Mexico in 2024.”It’s great to be here — I haven’t been back to Northern Ireland since the British Amateurs, so it’s great to be playing on the Staysure Legends Tour. I do like to play over here, I played the European Tour as well, so it’s a lot of fun to be back.”

Alker admits his season has been “a little bit topsy-turvy,” but arrives full of confidence following two wins in August. “It’s not been the consistency I’ve had in the past, but bringing that form and confidence here is huge. I know there are a lot of good players over here, but I’m just looking forward to the experience — and I’ve got my wife with me as well, so that makes it even sweeter.”

Despite being tipped by many as the man to beat, Alker is refusing to get ahead of himself. “I try not to think about it too much — I just go and do my thing. There are a lot of very good players in the field, including a couple of fellow Kiwis in Michael Campbell and Mark Brown. There are no certainties in this game — it’s just about good preparation, playing well, and enjoying the week.” On whether Galgorm’s emphasis on accuracy over power suits him, he was in no doubt: “It suits my game. I’m not the longest hitter, so it’s nice to play something a little different from what I usually play in the US — I grew up with this type of golf.”

With a strong international field at one of Northern Ireland’s premier venues, the 2026 NI Legends promises another compelling week of golf at Galgorm. Away from the fairways there will be plenty of activities for all the family, especially at the Spectator Village where there will be a dedicated interactive zone and golf simulator, plus the Rory McIlroy washing machine challenge. Kids can also enjoy bouncy castles and mini golf over the weekend. The Spectator Village also has a Public Bar, Barista Bar and Galgorm Food Tent serving classics like stone-baked Fratelli pizzas and BBQ Castle burgers.

Tickets for the event are free, CLICK HERE to register to attend.

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