Rory's Win Boosting Portrush's Open Hopes?

Peter Hutcheon suggests that the momentum is building for Portrush to land an Open Championship but the reasoning is thin, if not dangerous because of the backfire-potential.

The success of both the 22-year-old from Holywood and Graeme McDowell who lifted the same trophy 12 months ago, has put Northern Ireland right at the top of golf’s agenda worldwide.

Tourism Minister Arlene Foster said yesterday that she was confident Royal Portrush could host a top tournament sooner rather than later.

“Rory’s win is a tremendous opportunity to attract golf tourism to Northern Ireland,” she said.

“The time for planning is over and the time for delivery is here.”

Hard to see the R&A selecting a venue as a tribute to the rise of Northern Irishmen, it's even possible to see them finding that reasoning offensive. Especially when the course in question is so strong and needs no gimmicks to be considered.

In order to stage an Open Championship, Royal Portrush would first have to play host to an Irish Open and that tournament has not been played in Northern Ireland since Belvoir Park staged it in 1953.

Staging an Open would also require an investment of millions from both private and public sources.

McIlroy, McDowell and Darren Clarke have all backed calls for Royal Portush to stage a top tournament at Royal Portrush in the past.