Rory McIlroy and Padraig Harrington took to the green yesterday to put Northern Ireland’s newest golf course through its paces.

Thousands watched the pair go head-to-head for a special 18 hole game to officially launch the Lough Erne Golf Resort in the Fermanagh lakelands.

The state-of-the-art course was designed by legendary golfer Nick Faldo and contained enough surprises to test the two players.

McIlroy won with a 68 — four under par, against Harrington’s two under.

Around 3,500 people attended the event, which allowed them to get up close to the sporting idols.

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Resort general manager Jonathan Stapleton said the event tested the mettle of the course against two of Ireland’s biggest golfing stars. It has already attracted plenty of acclaim from visitors for its unique design and location.

“I would honestly say that the response from people is that it is a stunning golf course with 18 signature holes,” he said.

“It’s a beautiful piece of land with breathtaking views, fabulous golf and a great course. Everybody who’s played it says it’s one of the best courses they’ve been on.”

The resort may be the venue for such future challenges in the years to come.

“Our intention is that the Lough Erne Challenge will be repeated, maybe not every year but every other year,” he said. “It’s a good way to host an event where the public can get near to the players.”