Government backs Irish course to host first Open Championship outside the UK

The Claret Jug could be brought to Dublin as early as 2030.

The prospect of one of golf's four majors being hosted in Ireland has moved one step closer after Taoiseach Simon Harris publicly announced his support for Portmarnock's bid to host both the Open Championship and the AIG Women's Open.

The Open is the oldest Major championship in men's golf and carries with it a rich history of prestige and talent.

Across 164 years of the competition's existence, only five Irish golfers have succeeded in lifting the Claret Jug.

Fred Daly was the first at Royal Liverpool in 1947, and he was followed by Padraig Harrington (twice), Darren Clarke, Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry in the years since.

Now, Portmarnock Golf Club in north county Dublin looks set to become the first club outside of Britain and Northern Ireland to win a bid to host the event.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, 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."

The Taoiseach added that 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," he 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."

🚨🏌️‍♂️ Big news this morning!

⛳️Cabinet has confirmed support for @TheOpen to be hosted at @PGC1894 Portmarnock Golf Club , making history as the first time this prestigious event is hosted outside Britain or Northern Ireland! 🇮🇪

A huge €35-45 million investment for the area! pic.twitter.com/Voyn5qUYDx

— Darragh O'Brien (@DarraghOBrienTD) October 22, 2024

While no decision has yet been made by the Royal & Ancient Golf Club - the institution based at St Andrews in Scotland which runs both the Open Championship and Women's Open - the Irish government's pledge of support of up to €40 million makes the bid a difficult one to reject.

The €40 million would be used by Portmarnock Golf Club to meet the significant infrastructural challenges it faces in its aspiration to host these huge sporting events.

A timeline as early as 2030 is understood to be the guide period for Portmarnock playing host to The Open, with additional course work, including a potential rerouting adjustment of the famed links, expected to take place before then.

Portmarnock's location on a peninsula, with one road in and one road out, is an obvious issue that needs addressing in terms of access and exit.

The AIG Women's Open, on the other hand, could potentially be staged at Portmarnock as soon as 2028. The competition - one of five majors on the LPGA tour - began in York in 1976 and has grown exponentially in recent years.

Portmarnock's bid is also expected to be helped by its successful hosting of two previous R&A amateur events - the 2024 Women's Amateur Championship and the 2019 Amateur Championship.

A green light for Portmarnock's bid would be a huge boost for golf in Ireland, as Limerick's Adare Manor continues to prepare to host the Ryder Cup in 2027.

Reports earlier this year suggested that Tiger Woods could captain Team USA that year, while Justin Rose is tipped to lead Team Europe for the Irish affair.