Catherine Martin T.D., Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, and Thomas Byrne T.D., Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education, welcomed today’s decision by Government to explore a bid to host The Open and the AIG Women’s Open at Portmarnock Golf Club.
Any final decision to support the bid to host The Open is subject to a positive outcome to discussions that will take place with The R&A and Portmarnock Golf Club over the summer period and to a positive economic impact assessment. The Ministers anticipate that a recommendation will be brought to Government in the autumn.
The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media will proceed to active engagement with The R&A and Portmarnock Golf Club in this regard. Engagement with Fingal County Council and key stakeholders, particularly those in the transport and infrastructural logistics sector, will also be undertaken.
The Open is the oldest and most prestigious golf championship in the world and its hosting in Portrush in 2019 was a tremendous success across the island. The potential significance of hosting The Open outside the UK for the first time cannot be understated and it would present a key opportunity to deepen ties and broaden a shared sporting narrative on both a North-South and East-West basis.
Minister Catherine Martin said:
“I am delighted by Government’s decision to explore the possibility of hosting both The Open and the AIG Women’s Open at Portmarnock Golf Club. Hosting both of these championships as recognised Open venue courses, with Government support, would have a positive impact on closing the gender participation gap in sport, and boosting women’s participation and equality in golf. Ireland is a leading destination for golf, and this would also increase Ireland’s reputation as a world centre for golf if we were to host these major tournaments on the island at Portmarnock and Portrush.”
Minister of State Thomas Byrne said:
“I welcome the decision by Government to engage with The R&A regarding our hosting of these iconic championships. Ireland has consistently demonstrated its ability to host world-class major international sports events and I am confident that this will be case for the AIG Women’s Open and The Open should this bid proceed successfully. I also believe that the hosting of these major international sports events can yield a strong participation legacy that will drive the growth in participation levels in golf, as the Government continues its work to get as many people as physically active and engaged in sport as possible.”