The Open Championship, one of the most prestigious events in golf, has been played exclusively in the United Kingdom since its inception in 1860. However, the Irish Government is exploring a bid to host both the Open and the AIG Women’s Open at Portmarnock Golf Club in Dublin, marking a potential historic shift for the tournament. Portmarnock Golf Club is renowned for its challenging links course, featuring a maze of bunkers and subtle greens that provide a true test for golfers.
Fingal County Council recently announced that they are working with the R&A and Portmarnock Golf Club to investigate the feasibility of hosting these two major events outside of the U.K. Portmarnock would become the second venue on the island of Ireland to host the Open, following Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland in 2019. This move is seen as a significant step towards diversifying the rotation of courses for the prestigious major championship.
While there is significant support for the idea of hosting the Open at Portmarnock, logistical challenges remain, including the narrow road connecting the course to the town of Portmarnock. Former R&A CEO Martin Slumbers has expressed his support for the bid but highlighted the potential difficulties of moving patrons in and out of the peninsula due to the limited access points. However, the local authorities are optimistic about overcoming these challenges and making a positive recommendation to the government.
Renowned golfer Rory McIlroy has also voiced his support for a Dublin major, emphasizing the potential benefits for Portmarnock and for the growth of golf in Ireland. McIlroy believes that the course’s proximity to a major city and airport, combined with its excellent design, would make it an ideal host for such prestigious events. The final decision on whether Portmarnock will host the Open and AIG Women’s Open is expected to be made later this year, with a formal bid potentially being submitted in the fall.
Mark Kennelly, CEO of Golf Ireland, has also highlighted the significance of hosting these major events at Portmarnock, emphasizing the course’s rich history and its suitability as a test for the world’s best players. Portmarnock has previously hosted Men’s and Women’s Amateur events, Irish Opens, and The Walker Cup, showcasing its reputation as a top-tier golfing destination. Overall, the potential hosting of the Open and AIG Women’s Open at Portmarnock would not only be a historic moment for Irish golf but also a significant boost for the sport in the country.
