Paul McGinley thinks The Open could be staged at Portmarnock.
But the Ryder Cup hero said spectators might have to wait a decade before the world’s oldest major arrives in the Republic of Ireland.
Speaking at the opening of St Columba’s College Golf Academy in Dublin, the Irish Independent reported McGinley as saying: “I think it’s a reality and it’s got more chance of happening than not happening, but the timeline is open.
“A lot of ducks have to be lined up before it could happen. But it’s certainly a potential reality. Who would have thought that 10 years ago?”
There has been growing speculation The Open could head outside of the United Kingdom for the first time with Rory McIlroy among those slathering at the prospect.
Portmarnock Open hopes: “Portmarnock is as good as or better than anything on the current rota”
The club themselves have not dampened the speculation, with captain Niall Goulding saying last month: “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.
“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.”
But McGinley said Portmarnock would be as good as “or better than anything on the current rota”.
“The biggest challenge is getting in and out. With the Ryder Cup in 2027, wouldn’t it be wonderful to have something in the diary for 2030? But I think that timeline’s too short. I’d say realistically, we’re looking at nearer to 10 years from now.”
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