Irish Open likely to go to Portrush in 2013

Golf:The prospect of the Irish Open being staged at Royal Portrush in 2013 has moved a step closer with the publication of the Stormont Executive's programme for government.

A pledge to bring a major golf tournament to Northern Ireland is one of more than 70 commitments made.The programme also includes projects aimed at culture and tourism, with a pledge to host the World Police and Fire Games in 2013, as well as developing the site of the former Maze Prison.

Northern Ireland tourism minister Arlene Foster says a successful staging of the Irish Open at Royal Portrush will boost the chances of the British Open Championship returning to the venue.

Darren Clarke's Open win at Sandwich has led to renewed hopes that the major event could return to Northern Ireland for the first time since 1951.

"We're looking at bringing the Irish Open to Portrush," said the minister."That is very much a probability in the near to medium future."

"That will showcase Royal Portrush in a way which will make it easier for us to get the British Open here. Once the R&A (Royal & Ancient) can see that we can organise an event like the Irish Open, they will be looking at us in a more meaningful way.

"That's what we need to do. To stage - if you like - some of the intermediate championships before we go for the big one.

"We're very much working on that. We've been in negotiations with Royal Portrush. I'm here today (at Portrush) having a chat with them again and I will continue to do that."

The minister spoke of her belief that infrastructural and logistical difficulties could be overcome to ensure that the British Open will one day make a return.

"We don't have to base everybody in and around Portrush,” she added pointing to Royal St Georges, where they bus spectators in from around the country.

Royal and Ancient Club chief executive Peter Dawson admitted that Northern Ireland's three recent major wins had given fresh momentum to the calls for the British Open to return to Portrush for the first time since Max Faulkner's 1951 triumph.

Clarke's memorable three-stroke win on Sunday saw the popular 42-year-old join Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell as players from Northern Ireland who have won Majors in the last 13 months.

"We're all very aware of the fact that three winners from Northern Ireland increases the interest level in this," said Dawson.

Portrush's hosting of the Open 60 years ago was one the only time golf's oldest and most revered tournament was held outside of the British mainland. Since then, the tournament has been shared between top links courses in England and Scotland with the current rotation involving nine layouts.