R&A Nears Decision to Host Open Championship at Portmarnock
Mark Darbon says announcement expected by year-end for first tournament outside UK, with long-term model for AIG Women's Open also in discussion.
The R&A is preparing to announce Portmarnock Golf Club in Dublin as the first host of The Open Championship outside the United Kingdom, Chief Executive Mark Darbon confirmed. Speaking on the eve of the 154th tournament at Royal Birkdale, Darbon stated the governing body is "getting pretty close" to finalising the arrangement, marking a significant shift in the event's geographic scope.
Feasibility studies for the venue are largely complete, with Darbon noting that the R&A has confirmed its belief that the club can accommodate the scale of the Open Championship. The process has involved extensive work with the golf club, local authorities, and the Irish government. Darbon acknowledged that the complexity of the venue has extended the timeline, but expressed optimism regarding the progress of negotiations.
Central to the bid is the financial and political backing from Dublin. The Irish government pledged up to 40 million euros (£34m) in 2024 to facilitate the hosting of the event. Darbon indicated that discussions are currently focused on establishing a long-term model that would accommodate both The Open Championship and the AIG Women's Open for many years to come.
Prominent Irish golfers have voiced strong support for the potential move. Three-time major winner Padraig Harrington argued that the R&A’s global governance structure, which includes qualifiers in regions such as Australia and Japan, makes an international venue a logical step. He emphasised that the tournament is The Open Championship, not the British Open, and highlighted Ireland’s historical ties to the sport through the Great Britain and Ireland teams.
Rory McIlroy and 2019 Open champion Shane Lowry have also endorsed the venue. Lowry, who visited Portmarnock recently, described it as one of the world’s best golf courses, citing its infrastructure and suitability for the event. He suggested the tournament would be a success in Dublin, noting that the necessary facilities are already in place.
The R&A has confirmed host venues through 2028, with St Andrews scheduled for next year and Royal Lytham & St Annes hosting in 2028. No dates have been set beyond that period. Darbon stated that a clear view on the Portmarnock announcement is expected by the end of the year, though the exact timing remains unconfirmed.
The Open Championship is currently scheduled to be held at St Andrews next year, followed by Royal Lytham & St Annes in 2028. The R&A has not confirmed any host venues beyond 2028. The R&A governs golf outside the US and Mexico and organises qualifiers globally, including in South Africa, Australia, and Japan.
