The countdown to the Open at Portrush is gathering pace, with Shane Lowry set to defend his 2019 title when the famous major tournament returns to the north coast of County Antrim in July.
And while all eyes will be on the incredible links of the majestic Royal Portrush this summer, plans are being put in place for the Claret Jug to journey south in the future for a historic hosting at another one of Ireland's best golf courses, Portmarnock.
The storied venue was a regular host of the Irish Open back in the 1980s and now a feasibility study is well under way to bring major golf to the north Dublin links.
The R&A is not yet in a position to name the date, however, the governing body has indicated that both the men’s and women’s Open look set to be staged in Dublin at some time in the future.
"We’re in the midst of a planning process right now and that is focused on a detailed feasibility study to get under the skin of whether when and how we can stage an Open Championship here (Portmarnock)," said R&A chief executive Mark Darbon, speaking to RTÉ Sport.
"We’re really optimistic about that prospect. We’re working closely with the local authority and the government to support us in undertaking that feasibility work.
"We’re not quite there yet but it’s a process that is gathering some pace and we are optimistic about the future."
Darbon was again asked was there a date in mind, 2030, 2035 or somewhere in between, however, the R&A is waiting until it has full confidence in hosting before naming any dates.
"We have to finish the feasibility work to begin with, but we’re really optimistic about bringing both the AIG Women’s Open and the Open Championship here."
Darbon did outline what makes for the perfect Open venue, explaining that there are three main things to consider: the site, the location and, of course, a quality links track.
"We need a brilliant golf course to challenge the world's best players, we need a site that works for us logistically and commercially, because a modern Open Championship is not just one of golf’s majors but one of the biggest sporting events in the world, and we need a venue that can showcase that properly.
"We want a location that continues to help us to tell the wonderful stories of an Open Championship and Portrush ticks the box for all of those criteria in spades, so we can’t wait to get back here."
This year’s event is already a sell-out and capacity has actually been increased to what will amount to 278,000 fans that will gather at the iconic Dunluce links from 13-20 July for the largest championship held outside of St Andrews.
The Rory McIlroy factor in winning the Masters to complete the Grand Slam will not, however, allow for any further release of tickets as the course has already been altered to accommodate the extra numbers compared to the 2019 hosting.
"I think it's brilliant for the sport of golf, not just our own championship," said Darbon. "It was an amazing, emotional win.
"We’re delighted to see Rory etch his name in the history books.
"It sets up a brilliant summer of golf and I’m sure he (McIlroy) has a bit of unfinished business here," added Darbon.
As for whether Turnberry will host an Open while it remains owned by President Donald Trump, Darbon reiterated the R&A's stance that the focus of any Open must be solely on the golf and also voiced concerns around the infrastructure around the Ayrshire course.
"The golf course is magnificent," Darbon said. "If anything, it’s better now than it ever has been, given some of the improvements that have been made to the course.
"But there are some challenges around the road and rail network, some of the accommodation provision in the surrounding area, and so we’re working on what a model could look like for the future."
Additional reporting by PA
