Further progress has been made in the journey to take the Open Championship outside of the UK for the first time in its history, with Portmarnock Golf Club announcing that it has made 'informal' contact with the R&A over the possibility of hosting the major at the famed Dublin links.
Spokespeople for the club have also said that it hopes to get the backing of the Irish government for a formal meeting with the R&A.
"The club has had informal contact with the R&A regarding the possibility of hosting the AIG Women's Open and The Open at Portmarnock in the coming years," said Portmarnock club captain Niall Goulding.
Without a detailed survey, it is not possible to verify the ability of the property to act as host to a major championship, given the significant infrastructural requirements of such an event.
Could The Open Championship Be Coming To Dublin?
25 July 2003; Michael Campbell, New Zealand, plays his second shot from the rough on the 3rd fairway during the Second Round. Nissan Irish Open Golf Championship, Portmarnock Golf Club, Portmarnock, Co. Dublin. Picture credit; Matt Browne / SPORTSFILE *EDI*
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"The club has determined that government support would be critical for a project of this magnitude," added Goulding.
"And, consequently, will now approach the relevant government authorities to establish their position on providing support for a formal application by Portmarnock to the R&A to host a major championship."
Portmarnock has hosted the Irish Open 19 times, including the first tournament in 1927, and in 2003, the last time the event was played there.
It also played host to the Walked Cup in 1991, where fresh faced Padraig Harrington and Paul McGinley faced off against a young Phil Mickelson.
The Open Championship broke tradition back in 2019 when it took the tournament out of England and Scotland, and brought it back to Portrush.
The Northern Irish club is due to host again in 2025, and if it produces another fine tournament, it will certainly add weight to Portmarnock's cause.
Rory McIlroy also chimed in recently on the possibility of bringing the Open to Ireland, speaking highly of the North Dublin links course.
"There has to be a lot of stuff that makes sense. But, you know, having a course that's so close to a major city, so close to a major airport, having a great golf course, I think it would be amazing."
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