'Clearer picture' on Portmarnock's chances of hosting The Open expected later this year

The Republic of Ireland has never hosted The Open. 

The Irish government has back the possibility of Portmarnock hosting the tournament. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

R&A chief executive Mark Darbon has said that the body is “knee deep” in a feasibility study on Portmarnock’s bid to host an Open Championship with a "clearer picture" expected towards the end of the year.

Darbon declared himself “optimistic” on the Dublin club’s chances of making history by becoming the first ever host outside of the UK when asked about the matter at a media day at Royal Portrush back in April.