The Open Championship considers hosting abroad
The Open Championship may significantly alter its tradition of being held in the UK, with discussions underway to potentially host the tournament outside its usual venues. The R&A’s chief executive, Mark Darbon, indicated that a move is “getting pretty close,” suggesting that Portmarnock Golf Club in Dublin could be in the mix, reports BritPanorama.
The R&A first floated this possibility in 2023 when the Irish Government expressed willingness to support the venture with up to €40 million (£34 million) in funding by 2024. Portmarnock has experience hosting men’s and women’s amateur championships in the past, and Darbon confirmed that it is a serious contender ahead of the 154th tournament scheduled at Royal Birkdale.
Darbon explained, “It’s a complicated venue because of the scale of the Open Championship. There’s been a lot of great feasibility work with the golf club themselves, with the local authority, the Government. We’ve undertaken a big feasibility study. That work is pretty much done. We’ve confirmed that we believe we can take an Open Championship there.”
He further commented on the ongoing discussions, stating, “That’s the dialogue we’re in right now with the Irish Government, and we’re optimistic that those discussions are heading in the right direction.” When asked about a timeframe for an announcement, he noted, “In the spirit of transparency, it’s taking a bit longer than we thought it might, but it’s complicated doing all that feasibility work. We’re hoping to have a pretty clear view by the end of the year.”
Prominent golfers, including Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry, have voiced support for relocating the Open to Portmarnock. Lowry mentioned, “Who knows, it would be amazing to have an Open Championship in Dublin… I think Portmarnock is one of the best golf courses in the world so I think it’s fit for an Open. It would be a good Open for the R&A, it would be very successful. The infrastructure is all there.”
Next year, St Andrews is set to host the Open Championship, with Royal Lytham & St Annes returning for the first time in 16 years in 2028. The R&A has yet to confirm any venues beyond next year, but Portmarnock is emerging as a strong candidate.
