Pádraig Harrington. Photo: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
The Island is among the front runners to host the Amgen Irish Open in 2026.
Sources at The Island confirmed that the north Dublin links is on a short list of courses being considered by the DP World Tour.
The Irish Independent also understands that Fingal County Council has had initial contact with the club with a view to studying the logistics surrounding the event.
The Dublin links, which was considerably revamped by architect Martin Ebert in 2020, faces stiff competition from several other courses, including Druids Glen and County Sligo, which is also undergoing a revamp by Mackenzie & Ebert.
An Irish Open at The Island could also be considered a potential trial run in the event Portmarnock – which is also considering course changes proposed by Mackenzie & Ebert — succeeds in its bid to host The Open and the AIG Women’s Open.
County Sligo came close to securing the Irish Open in 2019 before the Tour, and then sponsors Dubai Duty-Free, opted to take the event to Lahinch.
Lahinch was considered a better choice logistically given Rosses Point’s proximity to Royal Portrush, which hosted The Open just two weeks later.
County Sligo might be a popular choice with former Irish Open champions Pádraig Harrington, Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry, who are past winners of the West of Ireland Championship there.
Should Co Sligo get the Irish Open, it would make history by becoming the first Connacht venue to play host to a championship which will be played at The K Club in 2025 and 2027.
However, its remote location makes it less attractive to sponsors and some tour players.
While the DP World Tour could not be contacted for comment, it is understood that they continue to look at all interested parties