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Portmarnock looks almost certain to become the first course outside the UK to host the Open Championship, with Golf Ireland saying on Tuesday that confirmation of government financial support means the Dublin links will “likely host” the oldest major tournament in the game.
The revelation that between €35m (£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 in the layout itself, has been widely praised in following the re-inclusion of Royal Portrush on the Open rotation in 2019.
No date has yet been set, but it is understood that Portmarnock is scheduled for the 2029 Women’s Open, with the men to follow within five years.
Just two years ago, Martin Slumbers, the R&A’s chief executive, threw cold water on the speculation, but the hurdles have since been overcome and provided conditions are met – including the construction of a new road – the 130 year old links are perched on the sand. peninsula located in the village located 16 km north of the capital of the Republic of Ireland, will soon go down in history.
Golf Ireland, the game’s island-wide governing body, could barely contain its excitement, declaring the breakthrough almost a done deal. “Today’s announcement that Portmarnock Golf Club is likely to host both The Open and the AIG Women’s Open is a momentous occasion for golf in Ireland,” said Managing Director Mark Kennelly.
“These historic events will not only be a wonderful spectacle for professional golf, but will also pave the way for impactful legacy programs that will nurture talent and grow the game in all communities.” We thank the Irish Government for their commitment to securing these events.
The R&A has been rather more circumspect, with insiders stressing that there remains a “rigorous process” of negotiation, but it is clear that the support of Taoiseach Simon Harris and his cabinet is a definitive step. “We welcome the Irish Government’s commitment to supporting the staging of the AIG Women’s Open and The Open at Portmarnock Golf Club. There is still much work to be done to ensure we can realize this opportunity, but the support of the Irish Government is essential.
There is no doubt that the course is up to par. No less personality than Tiger Woods praised his quality. “It’s one of the nicest links I’ve ever had the opportunity to play,” Woods said. Nor has geography deterred the R&A, who have long insisted 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 the amateur championship five years ago. But at this point it was no longer eligible to host the Open. In 2016, the R&A decided that clubs not allowing female members would be excluded from its main roster. However, a Portmarnock vote in 2021 banned the male-only status.
Another links course analyzing the scenario with interest is Royal Porthcawl, which was also previously rejected for not being able to afford to host the championship. Next year’s Women’s Open will take place at the South Wales links, with Portrush hosting the Open a few weeks earlier.
