Royal Portrush still remains in frame to host golf’s oldest major – The Open.

There was suggestions following last year’s multi-successful Irish Open that the Co. Antrim gem might not be suitable to ever again host an Open Championship.

The R & A, as organisers of The Open, had observers in place at the Irish Open last year monitoring everything from the course, car parking, corporate and hospitality areas plus transport arrangements and accommodation.

However the feedback seemed somewhat negative for Royal Portrush that continues to boast being the only golf course outside of England and Scotland to host The Open and that was in 1951 and long before the demands of a ‘modern’ Major.

However R & A CEO, Peter Dawson hinted Tuesday the door has not been closed shut on the Co. Antrim gem.

“We have two real requirements of an Open and one is that the course is up to it and secondly the infrastructure and everything surrounding it, is up to it,” said Dawson.

“At the moment we don’t see other venues meeting that criteria although we are studying Royal Portrush and see what the possibilities are there.   We are still working on that but I’m not sure where it’s going at the moment.”

Royal Portrush still in frame to host The Open