Portmarnock moves closer to hosting The Open and AIG Women’s Open

Golf Ireland has welcomed the latest developments in discussions between the Irish Government and The R&A with today’s announcement to provisionally support the hosting of The Open and AIG Women’s Open at Portmarnock Golf Club in the coming years. 

In May 2021, Portmarnock voted to change its constitution and allow women to join the club. At the time, the club announced the result of the vote via a statement:

“A vote by the Members of Portmarnock Golf Club, that Rule 3 be amended through the removal of the words 'who shall be Gentlemen’ has been passed. The result is 83.4% in favour and 16.6% against.

“As a consequence of this decision, the Rules and Bye-Laws of the Club will now become gender-neutral, which marks a positive development in the Club’s long and distinguished history.”

It was this move that helped Portmarnock Golf Club to get to where it is today.

A momentous occasion for golf in Ireland

“Today’s announcement that Portmarnock Golf Club will likely host both The Open and the AIG Women’s Open is a momentous occasion for golf in Ireland,” said Golf Ireland CEO, Mark Kennelly.    

“These historic events will not only be a wonderful spectacle of professional golf, but they will also pave the way for impactful legacy programs that will nurture talent and grow the game across all communities.   

“We are particularly excited about the prospect of the AIG Women’s Open taking place in Ireland as it would be a fantastic showcase of women’s golf. 

“We thank the Irish Government for their commitment to securing these events and look forward to welcoming golf fans from all over the world to our shores.” 

2024 Women's Amateur Championship

Portmarnock hosted The Amateur Championship in 2019, where James Sugrue delivered a famous home win for Ireland and this summer it also successfully staged The 121st Women’s Amateur Championship. 

This would be the first time these events are played outside of the United Kingdom, and according to government analysis The Open could attract up to 245,000 spectators to each event with the potential hosting of three Opens, along with one AIG Women’s Open, seeing a gross economic impact of €338 million.  

Golf Ireland’s Major Events Legacy program is designed to ensure that the high-profile golf tournaments coming to Ireland between 2024 and 2027, including The Open and AIG Women’s Open, have a lasting impact on golf participation. Today’s news offers further optimism more major events will be headed for Irish shores.