'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.

The Republic of Ireland has never hosted a tournament that was first contested back in 1860, but a concerted campaign to change that in Portmarnock in Co. Dublin has been building up steam in recent years.

The Irish government has backed the venture and is seemingly willing to invest financially to make it happen. Darbon’s predecessor, Martin Slumbers, had spoken positively of the possibility before leaving his post last year.

Darbon, who is overseeing his first Open since taking charge, also commented that: “We look forward to returning here for many years to come,” in his address to the media on site at Royal Portrush.

The Antrim venue bridged a 68-year gap when hosting in 2019 and now seems to be cemented in to the roster for the foreseeable.

More to follow...