Niall Horan tees up at Northern Ireland Open golf tournament

Niall Horan put his golfing skills to the test when he teed off at the Northern Ireland Open tournament on Wednesday (27Jul16)

Niall, who's entered in the Pro-Am event which proceeds the main tournament's start on Thursday, took to the Galgorm Castle course in Ballymena to battle it out with amateurs and professionals over 18 holes.

Before the first tee, One Direction star Niall, 22, who is so keen on the game he started his own golf management agency earlier this year, opened the course's new Fun Golf Area, featuring six short holes and a putting green.

Speaking ahead of the event Niall said, "The NI (Northern Ireland) Open is such a great event for all the family and we are sure to have a bit of fun on and off the course during the Pro-Am.

"I recommend all the family comes along to Galgorm and gets involved because there is so much to see and do. I for one can't wait to play Galgorm."

The Republic of Ireland native has been enjoying his time in Northern Ireland, and over the weekend (23-24Jul16) delighted one young fan who came to watch him play a practice round ahead of Wednesday's tournament at the Royal County Down course.

Niall took time out from his game to meet nine-year-old Holly Carlin, who was photographed with the star wearing a T-shirt featuring her idol. The Steal My Girl singer also gave the schoolgirl his autograph and the golf glove he had been using.

Speaking to Northern Ireland's Belfast Telegraph, Holly's mother Kelly revealed how delighted her daughter was with the meeting.

"She is still in the clouds," she explained. "It was like a dream come true. She has loved him since she was four. She's always asked me if I think she'd ever get to meet him.

"We were planning to go to the (Northern Ireland) Open on Wednesday, and I had warned her that she probably wouldn't get near him, so it's unbelievable that it happened like this."

At the time of WENN going to press, it was unknown how Niall had performed in the tournament, which also features legendary soccer goalkeeper Pat Jennings and rugby star Stephen Ferris.