While no dates have yet been set, it is understood that it could be 2029 before the women’s major is played at the club and 2034 before it becomes the first outside the UK to host The Open, the game’s oldest major.
Confirming the decision, Taoiseach Simon Harris said: “The potential to host The Open and the Women’s Open would bring endless opportunities for the country, including showcasing Ireland on the world stage and promoting equality in sport. It would also provide cultural, economic and social benefits and overall, be a major boost for the country.
“We already have a reputation as a world-leading golf destination and hosting these events would further enhance Ireland as a global destination for the sport. I look forward to the next steps to hopefully make this happen.”
Portmarnock has welcomed the Government’s support in meeting significant infrastructural challenges in its bid to host these two major championships.
“Portmarnock welcomes the Government’s announcement of its decision to agree to support the hosting of The Open and the AIG Women’s Open at Portmarnock Golf Club, subject to certain conditions being met,” it said in a statement.
“This is a significant step on the journey to hosting these events at Portmarnock and while there remain further infrastructural issues to be overcome, this is a major boost to the potential success of the project.”
Access to the links is a major stumbling block, given the course is situated on a peninsula with just a narrow access road.
The golf course will also need to be enhanced to some extent and while The R&A has made at least two presentations to the members on potential changes to the links, no definitive decisions have been made on what those might be before they are presented to the members for approval.
The Taoiseach was joined in welcoming the decision by Catherine Martin, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, and Thomas Byrne, Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht.
“This is a significant step towards the potential hosting of these major sports events in Portmarnock Golf Club,” the Government statement added.
“The Department of Tourism Culture Arts Gaeltacht Sport and Media (TCAGSM) will continue to engage with Portmarnock Golf Club and The R&A to further explore the costs of hosting and to prepare a full business case for the events, in line with the Department’s recently published Major International Sports Events Policy.
>”The Department assesses each request for support to a major event on its own merits. In particular, it is imperative to ensure that economic, participation and sports benefits are derived from any State investment. The Open has only been hosted twice outside England or Scotland; on both occasions, it was hosted in Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland. It will return to Portrush in 2025.
“It is estimated that up to 245,000 tickets to The Open could be sold per iteration. Should Ireland host three iterations of The Open and at least one AIG Women’s Open this could result in a cumulative gross economic impact of €338m.
An Taoiseach Simon Harris TD. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins Photos
“Ireland already has a reputation as a world-leading golf destination and hosting these outstanding events would further enhance Ireland as a global venue for golf.
“The Government has supported the successful hosting of a range of major international events to date across a number of sports and disciplines. Ireland is currently preparing to host the Ryder Cup in Limerick in 2027, in addition to co-hosting the UEFA Euro 2028 tournament, and co-hosting the T20 Men’s World Cup in 2030.”
Minister Martin said: “Ireland is now a step closer to holding the world’s oldest and most prestigious golf championship, which would also see it being held outside the UK for the very first time. I welcome today’s decision by Government in relation to the potential hosting of both The Open and the AIG Women’s Open at Portmarnock Golf Club.
“The hosting of these events and particularly the AIG Women’s Open, in Portmarnock would represent a significant moment for equality in sport and greater participation in golf and would be one of the biggest women’s international sporting events ever held in Ireland. Also, the enormous value that this brings to our tourism sector, and to golf courses, communities and businesses all across the island, is well recognised.”
Minister Byrne added: “On numerous occasions, Ireland has shown that we have what it takes when it comes to successfully hosting major sports events on a global stage.
“Following the publication of Ireland’s first Major International Sports Events policy just last week, I am very glad to see our possible hosting of The Open and the AIG Women’s Open advanced by the Government today.
“Our potential hosting of The Open and the AIG Women’s Open offers many exciting possibilities including the opportunity to ensure a meaningful sports participation legacy for all to benefit from.”
Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage confirmed on X that between €35-€40m of public money would be invested in infrastructure outside the gates of the club as well as millions more on the links itself.
“It will mean a massive investment, both off-course in the Portmarnock area of about €35 to €40m,” the Minister said. “And on-course investment here in the millions as well to enhance the golf club.
“The prestige of hosting this event will be absolutely colossal. It’s a major investment I’m delighted to have to have supported.
“I’ve met with The R&A and Portmarnock Golf Club over the last number of months, and they deserve incredible credit, as do Fingal County Council, for securing this really world-famous event.”
Golf Ireland also welcomed the Government announcement that it will provisionally support the hosting of The Open and AIG Women’s Open at Portmarnock.
“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.”
