Golf’s oldest major, The Open, has only been hosted twice outside England or Scotland; on both occasions it was hosted in Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, which will host the event again in 2025.
In an announcement made by the Irish government, they have supported the hosting of The Open and also the AIG Women’s Open at Portmarnock Golf Club, located just a stone’s throw north of Dublin centre.
The Irish government has said they will add support of up to €40 million to develop the significant infrastructural challenges the area faces, to be able to host two of golf’s biggest events in the Men and Women’s game.
The Taoiseach Simon Harris and Ministers Catherine Martin and Thomas Byrne said they “welcomed today’s agreement by Government to support the hosting of The Open and the AIG Women’s Open at Portmarnock Golf Club, subject to further conditions being met.”
“It would also provide cultural, economic and social benefits and overall, be a major boost for the country,” Harris said.
“We already have a reputation as a world-leading golf destination and hosting these events would further enhance Ireland as a global destination for the sport. I look forward to the next steps to hopefully make this happen.”
Portmanock Golf Club Dublin – Oisin Keniry/R&A
Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&A also welcomed the news of official Irish government support while adding: “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. We will continue to work through this process with the Government, Portmarnock Golf Club and our other partners.”
“It is estimated that up to 245,000 tickets to The Open could be sold per iteration,” the Government said in a statement. “Should Ireland host three iterations of The Open and at least one AIG Women’s Open this could result in a cumulative gross economic impact of €338 million.
“Ireland already has a reputation as a world-leading golf destination and hosting these outstanding events would further enhance Ireland as a global venue for golf.”
The Open will be staged in Royal Portrush in County Antrim for the third time in 2025 – the only venue it has ever taken place outside of mainland Britain – while Adare Manor in Limerick will stage the Ryder Cup in 2027.
Main Image: Supplied
