FORMER RYDER CUP SKIPPER MAKES CLAIM OVER POTENTIAL OPEN VENUE.
Paul McGinley says it’s more likely than not Portmarnock will stage the Open but warned it could take 10 years for it to happen.
Although Paul McGinley concedes that it may take ten years, he believes it is “more likely than not” that Portmarnock Golf Club will host the Open.
The R&A declared at the beginning of October that it was “keen to investigate the possibility” of holding the oldest major championship in golf outside of the UK.
It came about as a result of Rory McIlroy revealing that the R&A was considering adding a new course to its Open schedule.
The 34-year-old had previously stated, “I think there’s every chance the R&A are seriously looking at it.” “That would be amazing.”
McIlroy explained there was a lot to be considered when choosing an Open venue, but pointed to the fact Portmarnock is close to a major city and major airport as being beneficial.More than 100,000 spectators descendants of upon the Open every year.
Portmarnock is situated 10 miles north of Dublin. The 129-year-old links course is widely considered one of the best courses in Ireland.
In an interview with the Irish Independent, former Ryder Cup captain McGinley discussed the situation and said, “I think it’s a reality and it’s got more chance of happening than not happening, but the timeline is open.”It’s contingent upon a number of ducks being lined up beforehand. However, it is undoubtedly a possibility. Ten years ago, who would have guessed that?
“It will take a lot of boxes for the R&A commercially,” he continued. “Portmarnock is as good as or better than anything on the current rota, but St Andrews is unique. The most difficult thing is entering and exiting.
“With the Ryder Cup in 2027, wouldn’t it be wonderful to have something in the diary for 2030? But I think that timeline’s too short. I’d say realistically, we’re looking at nearer to 10 years from now.”
Portmarnock has hosted the Men’s Amateur Championship in 2019 in addition to hosting the Irish Open on 19 occasions.The Walker Cup was held there in 1991 as well. McGinley was on the Great Britain and Ireland team, playing with Padraig Harrington. David Duval and Phil Mickelson were on the American team.
When the club decided to allow women to join for the first time in May 2021, one barrier to Portmarnock hosting the Open and Women’s Open was removed.
The 152nd Open will take place at Royal Troon from July 14–21, 2020.
