Portrush isnât just a town with a golf course - itâs a town shaped by golf, wrapped in sea air, and fuelled by a fierce local pride. And in July 2025, itâs set to take centre stage once more as The Open Championship returns to Royal Portrush Golf Club from 13th - 20th July.
Whether you're here for the championship itself, soaking up the atmosphere, or reliving the fairways of the legends, thereâs a lot more to Portrush than whatâs printed on the scorecard.

Golf History in Portrush: Where It All Began âłÂ
Long before Royal Portrush became a household name in golf, the game was already part of the town's lifeblood. The earliest course was laid out on rough ground between the Metropole corner and Dunluce Avenue - a patch of land which now functions as a carpark and open leisure area. Then, in 1888, the first formal club was formed, known then as The County Club. By 1895, it earned its royal charter and became Royal Portrush Golf Club, attracting elite golfers from all over Ireland and beyond.
One of the key transformations came in 1929, when the legendary Harry Colt redesigned the Dunluce Links into the dramatic, world-class course we know today - home to blind shots, deep bunkers, sea views, and the infamously unforgiving Calamity Corner.
Dunluce & Valley: Links Legends on the North Coast đ
Royal Portrush has two courses: the championship Dunluce Links, and the underrated but mighty Valley Links which underwent significant redevelopment in 2024. Nestled beside the main fairways, the Valley is home to Rathmore Golf Club, a proud local club with a big heart - and itâs where Graeme McDowell learned the game before going on to lift the U.S. Open trophy at Pebble Beach in 2010.
These courses are two sides of the same coastal coin - rugged, beautiful, and absolutely unforgettable.
Portrush through the Years: Rise, Fall and Rebirth đïž
At the turn of the 20th century, Portrush was one of Irelandâs most glamorous seaside destinations. Visitors travelled from far and wide to stay at the elegant Northern Counties Hotel (formerly the Antrim Arms, opened in 1838), sip cocktails in the ballroom, and promenade along the seafront. The town boomed with rail connections, high society, and stunning beaches.
In 1951 Portrush made sporting history by becoming the first venue outside mainland Britain to host The Open Championship, cementing itself among golf's elite. The winner was Max Faulkner - a proud Englishman from Bexhill-on-Sea who descibed it as his greatest achievement, "It was all I ever wanted. The Open meant everything to me." It was a moment of great pride for the town too and a milestone for Irish sport - but one that would take decades to repeat.Â
Package travel brought cheap holidays abroad, luring visitors away from Northern Ireland's coast to guaranteed sunshine that the Causeway Coast just couldn't provide. Then came 'The Troubles', which hit the region hard. With political unrest came a further decline in tourism - hotels closed, visitor numbers dropped and Portrush lost some of its former glory.
Fast forward to 2012 when Royal Portrush hosted a sell-out Irish Open, won by Jamie Donaldson. That same summer, Portrush local Alan Dunbar lifted The Amateur Championship, and Stephanie Meadow, a Royal Portrush member, was crowned Ladies' British Amateur Champion, just two weeks after holing the winning putt in the Curtis Cup. It felt like the tide was beginning to turn.
These achievements reminded the golfing world that Portrush still belonged in the conversation - and opened the door for The Open to return.
In 2019 Portrush hosted The Open Championship again - and it felt like the town had fully reclaimed its crown. The event was a complete sell-out and attracted a record-breaking 237,750 fans. It was the first time The Open had been held outside the British mainland since 1951, and the demand for tickets was so high that all Championship days were sold out. Irishman Shane Lowry's win lit up the town, drawing global attention and resulting in a new mural of Shane holding the claret jug at the entrance to the town. The return of The Open seemed like more than a possibility.Â
The Open Championship 2025 - A Big One đÂ
The 153rd Open Championship promises to be historic. Portrush is thriving and breaking more Open records. A staggering 89,000 spectators will attend four sold-out practice days - the ballot for which saw the fastest sell-out of tickets in the Open's history and record crowds of over 278,000 are expected which would make it the second biggest Open ever - after St Andrews in 2022.
In anicipation of the 153rd Open, there has been some big investments locally into accommodation and catering. This winter the town welcomed Dunluce Lodge, the North Coast's only five-star boutique hotel with spa is tucked away beside the 4th fairway. Plus Royal Portrush Golf Club recently launched it's own luxurious accommodation offering with the eight-bedroom property 'The Rosses' - also overlooking the 4th fairway. The Rosses can be booked self-catered or fully catered with staff. Not to mention the relaunch of the Londonderry Hotel as The Marcus Hotel - making it the first Hilton property on the North Coast and the rebirth of the Adelphi Hotel Portrush by Marine and Lawn. It really feels like Portrush is buzzing once again and getting the recognition it deserves.
Local Tip:
We know of a small number of weekly tickets available for legitimate golf fans. If you are interested, drop us a message (strictly no resale) and we'll do our best to help:Â team@causewaybazaar.com
Who are the top contenders for the 153rd Open?
The Open Championship at Royal Portrush 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated tournaments in recent memory - not just for its world-class setting on the Dunluce Links, but for the calibre of talent itâs set to attract. The field reads like a who's who of modern golf: Shane Lowry, the 2019 champion who triumphed on this very course; Collin Morikawa, one of the gameâs most composed major performers; and American stars Xander Schauffele and Scottie Scheffler, both in exceptional form.
But all eyes will be on Rory McIlroy. Fresh off completing his Career Grand Slam with a win at The Masters in April, the Holywood native returns to his home country not only as a fan favourite, but as a man on a mission. Back in 2005, a 16-year-old McIlroy fired a jaw-dropping 61 on the Dunluce Links - a course record at the time - cementing his bond with Portrush long before he became a global icon. Now, nearly two decades later, he returns with history on his side and the weight of Northern/Irish hopes in his bag.
And speaking of local ties, thereâs another Portrush connection worth watching: Ricky Elliott, a native of the town - and Royal Portrush Golf Club member since childhood - will be on the bag for Brooks Koepka. Elliott, who left for the U.S. on a golf scholarship as a teenager, has become one of the gameâs most respected caddies - and his return to home turf is sure to stir pride among the locals.
Portrush Apparel & Golf Gifts đÂ
The Royal Portrush Pro Shop has its own official merchandise, of course. But if you're after something a little different - locally designed, inspired by the coast and the craic - check out our own Causeway Wave collection for sweaters, mugs, and gifts. Perfect for golfers, surfers, or anyone whoâs fallen in love with the North Coast.

The North Coastâs Other Golfing Gems...
Golfing on the North Coast doesnât stop at Royal Portrush. In fact, this stretch of coastline is an absolute dream for golfers:
- Portstewart Golf Club - A mere 3 miles away from Royal Portrush, Portstewart's magnificent Strand Course was the host to the Irish Open in 2017. Portstewart has two other links courses - the Riverside and the Old Course, though the Strand was recently added to the prestigious Golf World Top 100 courses thanks to its big dunes, huge views, and world-class golf.
- Castlerock Golf Club - With its fabulous Mussenden Course, this is another top tier golf links course with heritage and challenge to match.
- Rathmore Golf Club - Based at Royal Portrush's Valley Links and known for its local heart and producing stars like Graeme McDowell.
- Ballyreagh Golf Course - A scenic par-3 course hugging the coast between Portrush and Portstewart. Great for a casual round with friends.
- Ballycastle Golf Club - Part parkland, part links, and fully beautiful. Just a bit further east and worth the drive.
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Bushfoot Golf Club - A lovely 9-hole course in Portballintrae by Runkerry Strand with relaxed vibes and beautiful scenery.
Download our FREE Northern Ireland Golf Course Map created by the Northern Ireland tourist board discovernorthernireland.com
Final Word from a North Coast Local
See you on the fairways⊠or down at Harbour Bar with a pint of Guinness and a bag of Tayto đșđ„
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The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions)
When is The 153rd Open 2025?
Sunday 13th to Sunday 20th July 2025, with practice rounds early in the week and the main championship tournament days Thursday 17th to Sunday 20th July.
Are tickets still available to the 153rd Open?
Yes - the championship days have sold out but there are still tickets available for the practice days. You can find out more on the R&A website. Be careful if buying from non-official sites as tickets may not work on entry. Contact us at team@causewaybazaar.com for insider info on any available weekly passes.
Where is Royal Portrush Golf Club?
Royal Portrush Golf Club is situated in the town of Portrush, County Antrim on the North Coast of Northern Ireland, along the scenic Causeway Coastal Route.
How can I travel to The Open 2025?
Visitors can travel by car, train or bus. A Park and Ride service will be available from key locations. The local council is recommending advance booking due to high demand. You can find out more via discovernorthernireland.com
What makes Royal Portrush Special?
Royal Portrush is renowned for its challenging Dunluce Links course, featuring signature holes like Par-3 'Calamity Corner'. The course offers stunning coastal views and has a rich history, having hosted The Open twice before - in 1951 and 2019.Â
Whatâs the difference between the Dunluce and Valley golf courses?
Dunluce is the big championship course â links golf at its wildest. Valley is its neighbour and home to Rathmore Golf Club â just as scenic, less punishing.
What is a links golf course?
When people talk about âlinks golf,â theyâre talking about the game in its purest, most traditional form. A links golf course is typically found on rugged coastal land - the âlinksâ between the sea and the farmland - where the wind blows wild, the ground is firm, and nature decides the rules. Forget manicured fairways and artificial lakes; links courses are raw, windswept, and shaped by centuries of sea air and sand. With few trees, deep pot bunkers, and fast, rolling terrain, links golf demands imagination over brute strength. Youâll need low punches, clever bounces, and a touch of old-school magic. Courses like Royal Portrushâs Dunluce Links arenât just golf venues - theyâre living pieces of sporting history carved into the coastline.
What is the weather like in Portrush in July?
July in Portrush brings typical mild temperatures with a mix of sunshine and occasional rain. It's advisable to dress in layers and be prepared for changing conditions.Â
How can I watch The Open if I can't get there?
The Open will be broadcast globally on NBC/Golf Channel (USA) and Sky Sports (UK & Ireland). Fans can also stream live coverage via R&A TV, The Open website, and The Open App.
Where can I get Portrush-inspired merchandise?
Have a look at our Causeway Wave collection - all made to order so great for the environment! Good design with a North Coast soul đ
