The R & A along with the Northern Ireland Executive will announce next Monday that the Royal Portrush Club will be invited to host the 2019 Open Championship.
While www.golfbytourmiss.com reported this some time ago the golf world is now abuzz with reports coming out of this week’s U.S. Open hinting confirmation golf’s oldest Major will be returning to the Co. Antrim golfing gem for only a second time since hosting the event in 1951.
However the decision to host The Open rests with the members of Royal Portrush but that seems a mere formality.
Since then Royal Portrush has hosted a number of major championships including the British Seniors, the 2012 Irish Open and this week is playing host to the British Amateur.
Graeme McDowell honed his game at Royal Portrush and after shooting an opening round 68 he was again asked his reaction to the news.
“Beautiful. That’s extremely exciting,” said McDowell.
Royal Portrush now more in frame to host 2019 Open following 2015 and 2017 Irish Open announcement.
“I’ve been kind of hesitant to comment because I really didn’t want to take anything away from the official announcement.
“I’m very proud of where I grew up. I’m very proud of the tradition and history there and to bring an Open Championship back to Northern Ireland is very special.
“It speaks volumes about how far the country has come. It’s going to be a very special thing for Northern Ireland and Ireland in general.”
And while McDowell will be aged 39 at the time of the 2019 Open he’s hoping to qualify.
“I just hope I’m exempt and playing well,” he said.
“I guess it’s been a dream of mine as a kid. I’ve been out there, spent many an hour out there as a kid, and dreaming of playing major championships.
“And to have a Major Championship come to Portrush, the Open Championship, is special stuff.”
McDowell joked that the move was the result of “gentle ribbing” of R and A officials in recent years by himself, McIlroy and compatriot Darren Clarke.
“Nice to see the fruits of our labor, I suppose,” he said.
And McDowell’s not the only Major Champion coming out of Portrush with Fred Daly winning the 1947 Open while Darren Clarke, who now has a palatial house overlooking both courses, capturing the 2011 Open.
