Could The Open Championship be edging closer to a historic first outing in the Republic of Ireland? Predictions for The Open’s post-2027 future mean we could see the first Open Championship held outside of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
We’re in uncharted waters when it comes to The Open Championship. The future venues of the golf’s oldest major are yet to be announced.
We are less than two and a half years away from the 2028 Open and are no closer to hearing where the Championship will head post-2027.
The Open has refused to stray from the same set of trusted links courses over the past decade. Despite there being no official Open rota, the same courses have been used with little variance.
But is that about to change?
Speaking on the NCG Top 100s Podcast, hosts Tom Irwin and Dan Murphy outlined what they believe is the most likely path for The Open beyond 2027.
They assessed the chances of the first international championship and why the R&A is unlikely to go too far afield from its core options.
“We do know that there are nine, arguably 10 courses that have hosted The Open within the last decade, and it may well go back to those places,” Irwin explained.
“Those are St Andrews, Royal Troon, Carnoustie, Muirfield, Royal Birkdale, Royal St George’s, Royal Liverpool, Royal Lytham & St Annes and Royal Portrush, with a big question mark about Turnberry.”
“There has been no hints, for example Kingsbarns hosting The Open,” said Murphy. “One day quite possibly but it would be seen as heresy I think to take The Open to a new venue.
“I guess this has led to such huge changes to every venue on ‘The Open rota’ over the last 20, 25 years.”
The most intriguing prospect, however, is the growing belief that The Open could soon be staged in the Republic of Ireland for the very first time.
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Portmarnock, located just outside Dublin, has long been discussed as a potential host.
“The 2028 Open will be held at Royal St George’s,” predicted Murphy. “In 2029, we shall go to Portmarnock in the Republic of Ireland. Then in 2030 I believe we will return to Royal Troon.
“I think the R&A like The Open in the south east of England. It’s geographically so far removed from the other venues I think that is in its favour.
“2021 (the time it was last held there) went pretty well. I think that is the next English cab on the rank.
“I think what’s changed is that at the moment we only have two other active English venues which are Hoylake and Birkdale.
“Is it an open secret (The Open potentially being held in the Republic of Ireland for the first time)? I think it is. I think we all know, that’s what is being looked at.
“When we speak to people we know they are pretty well down that road. I believe the Irish government has been incredibly supportive, which makes a massive difference for these things.
“It’s much easier for an Irish government going to Dublin for the first time than perhaps it would be for a UK government to do the same and not being accused of favouring one place over another.
“I think just the success of Royal Portrush makes that pretty obvious. So I think that is at the dotting Is and cross Ts stage.
“It has more going for it than any other Open venue apart from St Andrews, I would say.
“The Walker Cup has been to Portmarnock, as has the amateur championship. So I don’t personally see that (it being located outside of Britain) as being an issue at all.”
Listen to the NCG Top 100s Podcast
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NOW HAVE YOUR SAY
Would you like to see The Open held in the Republic of Ireland? Does an international Open Championship appeal to you? Where do you think golf’s oldest major will be staged in 2028? Let us know by leaving a comment or getting in touch with us on X!
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