Before the deluge came and the sun still shone, spectators at Royal Portrush were being handed their Open branded metal canisters as they came through the entrance gates as the R&A continued their bid to do away with single-use plastic water bottles.

The 2019 Open Championship is less than 18 months away. The town of Portrush and the surrounding areas continue to buzz with anticipation at what will be the biggest sporting event in this island’s history. 

Muirfield’s popularity amongst players as a British Open venue will be tested by an extra 158 yards and “plenty” of rough for this year’s Championship from July 18-21.