The Historic Return of the Open in Northern Ireland
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The Open Returns to Royal Portrush
This highly anticipated event has been a much talked about subject with our experts at A Golfing Experience. The fact that it’s returned (for the first time since 1951) to this stunning location has put a spring in the swing of quite a few of us !
A Prestigious and Historic Competition
There can’t be many people (even non-golfers) who haven’t heard of the Open, and the event is golf’s oldest international competition. The biggest names in the sport enter into a heated tussle to lay claim to the ‘Claret Jug’ trophy and the prestige of taking the title Open Champion forever.
The Courses
Even though it’s not likely you’ll be teeing off with the pros at the 148th Open (although there’s always next year), the major improvements that have been implemented to the two world-class courses to bring the club up to par for the tournament are set to make it even better for us mortal players as well.
Dunluce Links
With its well-deserved reputation as one of the best championship courses in the world, it’s a little difficult to keep your eyes on the prize with such a spectacular backdrop to keep you company. The course (designed by Harry Colt) sits in a jaw-dropping location with views over the Atlantic and,on a clear day, all the way to Donegal and the Scottish Hebrides.
Five new greens have been built for the competition, as well as the addition of multiple new bunkers and eight new tee boxes. There’s no doubt this course has some pretty hairy challenges, the most notable being the par-45th hole… but, with breathtaking views of the castle and the rolling Atlantic swells, it’s well worth it.
·18 holes
·7317 yards
·Putting and pitching greens
·Driving range
Valley Links
The shorter Valley Links is a little overshadowed by its championship big sister in terms of play and views, but it shouldn’t be overlooked. It offers an interesting game to keep you on your toes and some experts claim it’s very underrated.
Vital Stats
·18 holes
·6346 yards
·Putting and pitching greens
·Driving range
·Designed by Harry Colt
Where to Stay
If you’re planning a trip to Royal Portrush to play the hallowed grounds your golfing heroes have walked before you, A Golfing Experience highly recommends the fantastic Bushmills Inn. This luxury boutique hotel is set against the dramatic backdrop of the Giant’s Causeway and offers the wonderful combination of tradition, service and genuine hospitality. The fact that the world’s oldest whiskey distillery is located between the hotel and Royal Portrush course is a pretty tempting bonus as well.
Want to follow in the footsteps of the pros at the Open and play a few rounds at Royal Portrush? Our experts at A Golfing Experience can help you arrange the holiday of a lifetime, so get in touch and we’ll help you with all the details.
We also arrange bespoke golf getaways to the USA, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Turkey and many other wonderful places. Call 01494 875164 to speak to your personal golf travel specialist.