R&A chief executive Mark Darbon says the prospect of the Open Championship being held at Portmarnock is getting closer, with a decision expected by the end of this year.
THE PROSPECT OF the Open Championship being held at Portmarnock is ‘getting pretty close’, according to R&A chief executive Mark Darbon. The 154th Open commences on Thursday at Royal Birkdale near Liverpool, with Darbon speaking at a press conference today on the eve of the last Major of the 2026 season.
The Open has been held on three occasions at Royal Portrush in Antrim – 1951, 2019, when Shane Lowry was victorious, and in 2025 when reigning champion Scottie Scheffler triumphed. The prospect of the north Dublin links course staging the Open Championship has been explored through ‘great feasibility work’, with Darbon revealing that they hope to arrive at a decision by the end of this year. Advertisement R&A chief executive Mark Darbon.
Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo “I think we’re getting pretty close. It’s a complicated venue because of the scale of The Open Championship. So there’s been a lot of great feasibility work with the golf club themselves, with the local authority, with government.
“We’ve undertaken a big feasibility study. That work is pretty much done. We’ve confirmed that we believe we can take an Open Championship there. What we’re looking to do is build a model that opens up opportunities for the AIG Women’s Open and The Open for many, many years to come.
The Open Championship takes place at Royal Birkdale this week. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo “So that’s the dialogue we’re in right now with the Irish government, and we’re optimistic that those discussions are heading in the right direction.
“Time frame — look, in the spirit of transparency, it’s taken a bit longer than I think I and we thought it may, but it’s complicated doing all of that feasibility work. We’re hoping to have a pretty clear view by the end of the year for sure. ”
Please follow us on Google to support usOpen Championship Portmarnock Mark Darbon R&A Golf
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ireland edge past error-strewn Fiji in Junior World ChampionshipIn a fraught and error-filled contest, Ireland's young side held on for a narrow win over Fiji in their Junior World Championship match. Stand-in captain Josh Neill and Daniel Green, who was accurate with his kicking, were key performers. Ireland survived a late scare to secure a 24-19 victory, setting up a ninth-place playoff against Italy.
Read more »
The Open Championship Returns to Royal Birkdale: McIlroy, Fleetwood Eye Glory Amidst Course ChangesThe 154th Open Championship tees off at Royal Birkdale, featuring a revamped course, a strong field including Rory McIlroy and local favorite Tommy Fleetwood, and potential schedule shifts due to England's World Cup run.
Read more »
Scottie Scheffler Favourite to Win Open ChampionshipScottie Scheffler remains the favourite to win the Open Championship, despite missing the cut in Scotland last week. Rory McIlroy is his closest competitor, and will be looking to win the title for the second time in his career.
Read more »
Trump’s return to war offers no clear path to victoryGamble on resuming hostilities raises prospect that conflict will overshadow US president’s second term
Read more »