Royal Portrush will host 2019 Open

It will be the first time in 68 years that the tournament has been hosted at Royal Portrush.

Royal Portrush will host 2019 Open

The Open Championship will be held at Royal Portrush in 2019.

When the tournament comes around it will be the first time in 68 years that the Open has been held at the Northern Irish Course.

The R&A have confirmed that it will take place between the 18th and 21st July, with Martin McGuiness, Deputy First Minister, believing economic benefits will be one of the main advantages of the tournament's return.

"The potential economic return of £70 million makes The Open coming to Portrush in 2019 a success story not just for golf and golfing fans but our entire economy," he said.

"I commend The R&A for their confidence and commitment to Portrush. For our part we stand ready to help ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place and ensure the focus remains on the golf course."

It is the only course outside of Britain to have hosted the Open Championship, with Max Faulkner winning the 1951 edition.

Royal Portrush hosted the Irish Open in 2012 and attracted more than 100,000 people. Home favourite Rory McIlroy would surely attract even more spectators to the 148th edition of the Championship in four years time.

McIlroy, winner of the Open in 2014, said: "I think it will be a fantastic Open venue.

"They are going to add a couple of new holes to the golf course and I think that will be a great addition and will make the course even stronger."

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Peter Unsworth, Chairman of the Championship Committee, said: "We are very much looking forward to bringing The Open to Royal Portrush in 2019 and believe it will be a tremendous venue for the Championship.

"We know there is great anticipation throughout Ireland at the prospect of welcoming the world’s top golfers and it promises to be a hugely memorable week."