This week Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland will host its third Open.
The first was way back in 1951, but the club then slipped off the Open rota, only returning in 2019 when the rampant success of Irish golf (Darren Clarke, Padraig Harrington, Graeme McDowell, Rory McIlroy) more or less demanded its return.
That week was notable for the players being in awe of the golf course and wowed by the welcome from the town.
We can expect more of the same this week with the added bonus that local hero Rory McIlroy arrives as the new owner of a green jacket and that his good friend from over the border, Shane Lowry, is the defending champion.
Let’s get the low down on Royal Portrush.
Where is Royal Portrush?
It’s on the north coast of Northern Ireland in the county of Antrim. It’s actually closer to the city of Derry than to Belfast but still only about a 90 minute drive from the capital.
Is Royal Portrush on a scenic coast line?
Easy answer: yes. The Giant’s Causeway is a few miles away and the hills of the Inishowen peninsula are in the distance. This land is so dramatic it is used extensively in the filming of Game of Thrones.
How many courses does Royal Portrush have?
There are two. The Duneluce Links hosts the Open and the Valley Links is home to the town’s Rathmore GC as well as Royal Portrush.
Can anyone play at Royal Portrush?
Yes. In theory the tee times are limited but there are plenty of tee times to go round.
The green fee during peak golfing season (April through October) is £420 on the championship course and £200 on the Valley Links.
What is the dress code at Royal Portrush?
In the clubhouse: smart casual attire, including golf wear and soft spike golf shoes. In the Babington Room, gentlemen are required to wear a jacket and tie. No blue denim, collarless tee shirts, flip flops, caps and hats are permitted.
On the links: suitable golf attire, with no blue denim or collarless tee shirts. Tailored golf shorts may be worn, but not beach shorts or cargo shorts with multiple pockets.
How hard is Royal Portrush?
It is a tough track.
It is undulating from tee to green and there are some long carries. The putting surfaces are highly contoured and difficult to hit. The pot bunkers are brutal. The wind can be strong and the course flows in all direction.
It is a strong test for elite golfers, and a very difficult one for amateurs and the average golfer.
How old is Royal Portrush?
It was found as the County Club in 1888 and became the Royal County Club in 1892. In 1895 it became Royal Portrush.
How did the two Opens Royal Portrush has hosted go?
The first Open in 1951 was won by the Englishman Max Faulkner who overcame the two greats of post-war Open golf – South Africa’s Bobby Locke and the Aussie Peter Thomson.
Six years ago Rory McIlroy missed the cut, the rain and wind came, and Ireland’s Shane Lowry stood tallest and strongest to lift the Claret Jug. England’s Tommy Fleetwood was second.
What other major events have been hosted by Royal Portrush?
In 2012 the Welshman Jamie Donaldson – hero of the 2014 Ryder Cup – won the fourth Irish Open played at Royal Portrush.
It has hosted six Senior Opens. Most recently, Brian Barnes (Faulkner’s son-in-law) won in 1995, Irish legend Christy O’Connor Jr triumphed in 1999 and the American Pete Oakley won in 2004.
It has also hosted three Amateur Championships, nine Women’s Amateur Championships and the 2010 Palmer Cup.
Who designed Royal Portrush?
The Dunluce Links was the creation of the great course architect Harry Colt and opened in 1933. He was also responsible for the West Course at Wentworth (which funnily enough Shane Lowry is an expert on).
What is the par and yardage at Royal Portrush?
It is a par 71 set at 7,337 yards.
What is the signature hole at Royal Portrush?
That would be the 236-yard par-3 16th hole that is better known as Calamity Corner.
It is played at the high point of the course and the tee shot demands a huge carry across the edge of a dune that drops dramatically towards the Valley Links course.
Anything short and right is in trouble.
Even hitting the green is no safety zone: Rory McIlroy four-putted the green in his first round in the 2019 Open.
Who holds the course record at Royal Portrush?
Guess who?
The old course record is 61 and was carded by Rory McIlroy when he was 16 in 2005 playing in the North of Ireland Amateur.
Ahead of the 2019 Open, the 17th and 18th holes were replaced by two news holes out in the dunes by the sea.
And Shane Lowry set the new course record with his third round 63 in the 2019 Open.
What do players have to say about Royal Portrush?
It’s safe to say that the players loved Royal Portrush in 2019.
“The golf course is fantastic,” said Matt Fitzpatrick. “Everyone loves it and no-one has said a bad word about it. It’s better than a few of the other Open rota courses.”
The Americans loved it too.
Here’s a giddy Justin Thomas: “Only my fourth Open, but it’s my favourite venue. It’s really beautiful and a great test of golf. Just a tremendous golf course.”
And his mate Jordan Spieth liked it too: “Amazing, I hope it stays on the rotation. The course is tough and fair. The town and the people are top notch. It was awesome.”
And, finally, here is Tyrrell Hatton painting a wonderful picture: “The atmosphere has been the best from start to finish. Packed grandstands, packed galleries, everyone under their umbrellas, just amazing support. Hopefully we’ll be back.”
Read next: The seven lowest scores ever carded at Royal Portrush
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