Those working and living in the town of Portrush are now starting to prepare for tens of thousands of fans to descend on nearby pubs, restaurants, shops and hotels — and hope they will reap the benefits.
It is 68 years since the event was last held in Portrush. In just over two months the Dunluce Links will provide a stern test of golf for the best players in the world. Originally designed by Harry Colt, the course is routed through the rugged links land and constantly changes in both direction and elevation.
43,750 spectators will descend onto the North Coast course each day. In total, 215,000 spectators are expected to attend the 148th staging of the championship across the week
UUP’s Norman Hillis said “It is hard to believe that the much anticipated Open Championship is just two months away. Portrush has been a bit like a construction site with public Realm improvements, construction of a brand new railway station and a great deal of private development all being carried out at the same time.
Thankfully we are seeing it all quickly coming together and the result should be brilliant for local residents and visitors alike. With worldwide media looking at this event it is anticipated 600 million could view the event.
The event itself will be outstanding but the legacy that the event will bring to the Causeway Coast area and Northern Ireland should be a tourism game changer for many years to come.’
Picture – McAuley Multimedia
