The Open Championship's arrival at Portrush this week has brought about massive excitement in the region. The biggest golf tournament this side of the Atlantic, it is expected to draw the second largest crowds in the long history of the championship.
The idea of bringing The Open to Northern Ireland seemed incredibly unlikely a few years back, but it now looks likely to become a regular occurrence. While the tournament will not get underway until tomorrow, it has already been labelled a massive success.
After a 68-year absence from the Island of Ireland, R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers confirmed earlier today that Portrush will remain in the rota for the Open in the coming years.
I think by any stretch this week is a great success.
Hoylake and Portrush are venues which are going to be used for the Open Championship for many years to come...
We have 10 courses in the pool that we use for the Open Championship. We think that's 10 of the best links courses in the world and we are very happy with those 10 courses.
If you think back over the last few years, coming back to Carnoustie, going back to Hoylake were great successes...
We are making history with a record attendance for a Championship staged outside of St Andrews and the levels of excitement among fans this week have been phenomenal.
A total crowd of 237,750 spectators is expected in Portrush this week, which would make it the second highest attendance at an Open Championship of all time.
