News Summary
Royal Portrush is set to host The Open Championship, marking its return to Northern Ireland. With golf courses appealing to all skill levels, the region enhances its allure as a golfing destination. Renowned courses such as Royal County Down and Portstewart add to the area’s reputation, while new developments signal a bright future for golfing in Northern Ireland.
Portrush, Northern Ireland – The world of golf is abuzz as Royal Portrush prepares to host The Open Championship, commencing on July 17. This prestigious event returns to Northern Ireland for the third time, having previously taken place in 1951 and 2019. In 2019, the tournament was famously won by Shane Lowry, marking a significant moment in the region’s golfing history.
With over 90 golf courses, Northern Ireland is quickly establishing itself as a top destination for golf enthusiasts from around the globe. The diverse array of courses available in the region suits golfers of all skill levels, offering everything from gentle links and parkland courses to challenging championship layouts.
Royal Portrush is highly regarded as one of the world’s best golf courses. It has gained acclaim for its stunning scenery and challenging play, featuring holes that offer breathtaking views over the coastline. Not far from Royal Portrush, the Royal County Down golf course in County Down is recognized as the world’s number one, providing stunning panoramas of the Mourne Mountains and Dundrum Bay.
For those looking for luxury accommodations, the Slieve Donard Hotel, perched near Royal County Down, features Victorian-style opulence and is an ideal resting spot for golfers and visitors alike. Beyond golf, the region boasts other attractions, such as the Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge, where fans can explore numerous filming locations through guided tours.
Another noteworthy course in the area is the Faldo Course at Lough Erne Resort in County Fermanagh, designed by Sir Nick Faldo. This championship course complements the resort’s five-star accommodations, fine dining, and its unique Thai-inspired spa, providing visitors with a comprehensive experience beyond golf.
On the north coast, Portstewart Golf Club features three exquisite links courses, admired for their stunning coastal views. The proximity of Portstewart and Royal Portrush to attractions such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Giant’s Causeway enhances their appeal to tourists, making Northern Ireland a vibrant destination for both golf and scenic exploration.
Looking to the future, plans are underway for the development of a new championship links course in Bellarena, expected to open in 2029. This will be the first new links course in Northern Ireland in over a century, signaling a significant investment in the region’s golfing infrastructure. The Galgorm Collection is investing over £30 million into the Bellarena Golf Links project, which is anticipated to create approximately 300 new jobs and bolster the local economy.
As Northern Ireland gears up for The Open Championship, the region aims to enhance its reputation as a world-class golfing destination. The combination of top-tier golf courses, exceptional accommodations, and rich cultural experiences places Northern Ireland at the forefront of global golfing tourism.
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Additional Resources
- Golfweek: Best Golf Courses in Ireland
- Golf Monthly: New Northern Irish Links Course
- MSN: Malbon-Bushmills Collaboration
- New York Times: The Open 2025 Live Updates
- CT Insider: Scottie Scheffler’s British Open Journey
- Wikipedia: Golf in Northern Ireland
- Google Search: Best Golf Courses Northern Ireland
- Google Scholar: Northern Ireland Golf Courses
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Google News: Northern Ireland Golf
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MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
