Portmarnock in pole position to host Open as ‘McIlroy mania’ comes to Portrush in July

“We’re in the midst of a planning process right now and that is focused on a detailed feasibility study to get under the skin of whether when and how we can stage an Open Championship here (Portmarnock)," said the R&A’s chief executive Mark Darbon.

"We’re really optimistic about that prospect. We’re working closely with the local authority and the government to support us in undertaking that feasibility work.

"We’re not quite there yet but it’s a process that is gathering some pace and we are optimistic about the future."

While there has been speculation that the men’s and women’s Opens could be played at the north Dublin links in the next five to ten years, Mr Darbon would not be drawn.

"We have to finish the feasibility work to begin with, but we’re really optimistic about bringing both the AIG Women’s Open and The Open Championship here,” he said.

Meanwhile, the organisers of the Open Championship have expressed confidenc...
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