R&A to explore the chance of hosting the Open at Portmarnock

The R&A has said it is keen to ‘investigate the possibility’ of hosting the Open or the Women’s Open at Portmarnock, in Ireland.

It was in response to the Dublin club who had contacted the governing body, explaining it wanted to explore the chance of hosting either of the major championships.

The prestigious Portmarnock is hopeful that the Irish government will back a formal approach to the R&A.

An R&A spokesperson said: “Portmarnock is undoubtedly one of the world’s outstanding links courses.

“We believe there is the potential to host our major championships there, but it is essential that a full evaluation is carried out to assess whether it is feasible and what would be required to make it happen.”

• Horschel: Preparation cost Team USA at Ryder Cup

• Meronk: It was ‘hard to watch’ the Ryder Cup

It would be the first time that either of the events have been held outside of the UK, however, Portmarnock has held other highly regarded tournaments.

The Men’s Amateur Championship has been staged at the Dublin venue, while the Woman’s Amateur Championship is taking place there in 2024.

The spokesperson continued: “The R&A regularly stages championships and international matches throughout Great Britain and Ireland, including at Portmarnock, and have done for many years.

“We would like to investigate the possibility of taking our professional championships to Portmarnock as well.”

Rory McIlroy backed the idea last month, as the Northern Irishman floated the idea that it was being investigated.

The course, which has hosted the Irish Open 19 times, would be a ‘fantastic’ choice, according to McIlroy.

• Sergio Garcia backed to become next Ryder Cup captain

• Matt Kuchar argues Zach Johnson isn’t to blame

He said: “Having a course that’s so close to a major city, so close to a major airport, having a great
golf course, I think it would be amazing.

“I think they (R&A) are seriously looking at it.”

Before submitting its approach to the R&A, Portmarnock club captain Niall Goulding detailed the prospect.

He said: “The club has had informal contact with the R&A regarding the possibility of hosting the AIG Women’s Open and The Open at Portmarnock in the coming years.

“The club has determined that government support would be critical for a project of this magnitude and, consequently, will now approach the relevant government authorities to establish their position on providing support for a formal application by Portmarnock to the R&A to host a major championship.”

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.