With the four majors now complete for another year, thoughts are turning to 2019 when Northern Ireland will take the number one position on golf’s global calendar as the host of The Open Championship.
Marking a historic return to Northern Ireland after 68 years, The Open will be held at Royal Portrush Golf Club from 14 – 21 July 2019 on the epic Causeway Coastal Route.
A favourite of Rory McIlroy’s, Royal Portrush occupies a stunning assemblage of giant sand hills in County Antrim, with panoramic views of the Causeway Coast, the east of Scotland and the Donegal hills to the west.
The club, its holiday home town of Portrush, and in fact the whole country, are already abuzz with excitement, anticipation and preparation for golf’s oldest and most prestigious tournament.
The unbelievable setting, the world’s best players and a Northern Irish welcome second to none are going to make the 148th Open one of the greatest parties in its long and illustrious history.
Golf fans eager to say they were there need to move quickly. It is expected The Open will sell out for the very first time, having already achieved the fastest-selling ticket launch in its history.
To register your interest and receive priority access for tickets and hospitality packages visit www.TheOpen.com/TheOneclub
Specialist golf and hospitality packages linked to the tournament are available from the Causeway Coast right down to Dublin, only three hours away.
There is also wide range of stunning hotels, bespoke B&Bs and self-serviced apartments to choose from across Northern Ireland. The key is to plan in advance, as accommodation will be in high demand.
Running from Belfast to Derry~Londonderry, the Causeway Coastal Route, home of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Giant’s Causeway, is an absolutely ideal location for golf, holidays, heritage and every pastime imaginable.
It takes in a rich tapestry of legendary landmarks, fantastical locations used as film locations in Game of Thrones®, amazing activities, a plethora of culture-filled coastal villages and the super-scenic Glens of Antrim.
Wherever you go there will always be fun, food and festivities on and off the fairways.
Golfers booking early should include a round at some of the courses local to Royal Portrush. The top-class links at Portstewart, for example, has hosted the Irish Open.
Or extend your stay with a post-tournament game at Royal County Down, which holds the title of world's greatest golf course from no less a source than Golf Digest.