Portmarnock looks almost certain to become the first course outside of the United Kingdom to host the Open Championship, with Golf Ireland claiming on Tuesday that confirmation of government financial backing means the Dublin links “will likely” stage the game’s oldest major.
The revelation that between €35million (£29.1m) and €40m (£33.3m) of public money would be invested in infrastructure outside the gates of the club, as well as millions more on the layout itself, was widely welcomed in the wake of Royal Portrush’s re-inclusion on the Open rota in 2019.
No dates have yet been set, but it is understood that Portmarnock is pencilled in for the 2029 Women’s Open, with the men following within five years.
Just two years ago, Martin Slumbers, the R&A chief executive, poured cold water on speculation, but obstacles have since been overcome and providing conditions are met – especially the construction of a new road – the 130-year-old links perched on the sandy peninsula in the village 10 miles north of the Republic of Ireland capital, will soon be making history.
Golf Ireland, the governing body for the game across the island, could barely contain its excitement, declaring the step forward as almost a done deal. “Today’s announcement that Portmarnock Golf Club will likely host both The Open and the AIG Women’s Open is a momentous occasion for golf in Ireland,” chief executive Mark Kennelly said.
“These historic events will not only be a wonderful spectacle of professional golf, but they will also pave the way for impactful legacy programs that will nurture talent and grow the game across all communities. We thank the Irish Government for their commitment to securing these events.”
The R&A was rather more circumspect, with insiders pointing out there remains a “rigorous progress” to negotiate, but clearly the backing of Taoiseach Simon Harris and his cabinet is a definitive step. “We welcome the commitment of the Irish Government to support bringing the AIG Women’s Open and The Open to Portmarnock Golf Club. There is still a lot of work to do to ensure we can deliver on this opportunity, but the support of the Irish Government is critical.”
There can be no doubt that the course is up to scratch. No less a figure than Tiger Woods has hailed its quality. “It is one of the most enjoyable links I have had an opportunity to play”, Woods said. And neither has the geography dissuaded the R&A, which has long insisted that the tournament is called “The Open” and not “The British Open”.
The R&A took the Walker Cup to Portmarnock in 1991 and the R&A revisited with the Amateur Championship five years ago. But by that stage, it was ineligible to host the Open. In 2016, the R&A decided that clubs not allowing female members would be excluded from its major roster. However, a Portmarnock vote in 2021 banished men-only status.
Another links course analysing the scenario with interest is Royal Porthcawl which has also been previously dismissed as not having the wherewithal to host the Championship. Next year’s Women’s Open will be held at the South Wales links, with Portrush hosting The Open a few weeks earlier.
