Portmarnock Golf Club’s bid to secure future Open Championships and AIG Women’s Open Championships has received a significant boost as the government have signed off on an agreement to support the club’s efforts.
With projected benefits to the Irish economy of approximately €340 million should the men’s and women’s showpiece events both be staged in north Dublin, the government have committed to support that includes improving the infrastructure to make it viable to host the events on the peninsula and the total value of government support is expected to be in the €35-40 million range.
The Open Championship was staged at Royal Portrush in Antrim in 1951, and then famously returned in 2019 where Shane Lowry recorded a memorable victory, and will make its third visit to the Causeway Coast in 2025, but the Women’s Open Championship has yet to leave mainland UK, so it would be guaranteed history in the making should both or either Championships be held south of the border.
It is believed that, pending infrastructural requirements being met, the AIG Women’s Open would be held at Portmarnock in 2028 with the Open Championship – the oldest major in world golf – expected to follow in 2030, with a potential rerouting of the golf course one of several options on the cards to make the tournament feasible and the fan experience the best possible. This would also put Portmarnock in line to become a regular host venue of the R&A’s premier championships.
Taoiseach Simon Harris said: “The potential to host The Open and the Women’s Open would bring endless opportunities for the country including showcasing Ireland on the world stage and promoting equality in sport. It would also provide cultural, economic and social benefits and overall, be a major boost for the country.
“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.”