Emeral Isle Unlocked

This Year’s Open Unlocks Northern Ireland To the World

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All the anticipation as Royal Portrush prepared to host the world’s top players in July for golf’s oldest tournament; the scene was set for Northern Ireland to truly make its mark on the international golf scene, and in the blink of an eye, it's over.

The 148th Open took place on the celebrated Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush Golf Club barely a month ago, only the second time the Claret Jug has been contested outside Scotland or England. The Harry Colt masterpiece was also the venue for The Open in 1951, when Englishman Max Faulkner won a princely £300 out of total prize money of £1,700 for his victory. This year, Ireland’s own and champion golfer of the year, Shane Lowry pocketed almost $2 million. The Emerald Isle hasn't seen celebrations on such a scale since Saint Patricks Day went global.

Such had been the level of interest and excitement that tickets for the four championship days sold out months ago. In addition to the 200,000 spectators who attended the competition and practice days, many of whom were from overseas, The Open was watched by a global TV audience of 600 million in 150 countries. With the claret jug going to an Ulsterman, It was and will be the biggest sporting event ever held in Northern Ireland and a magnificent showcase for the country’s golf courses and other attractions.

Royal Portrush lies in the heart of the small Causeway Coast seaside town of Portrush, which has a resident population of just 7,000. Events took place throughout the entire week in the town to entertain the throng of the Championship attendees.

Visitors can slake their thirst and try local dishes at several restaurants, cafes and pubs in Portrush and the surrounding area. Have a pint of Guiness and find traditional music at many establishments, among them the Crosskeys Inn, Ireland’s oldest thatched pub 50 minutes away near Lough Neagh.