The Open: Everything You Need to Know About the 153rd Championship at Royal Portrush
Royal Portrush is buzzing. The 153rd Open Championship is back in Northern Ireland, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most eagerly anticipated sporting events of the year.
The first official practice tees off on Sunday 13 July. Championship play starts on Thursday 17 July and runs through to Sunday 20 July. Organisers are preparing to welcome an estimated 270,000 fans over the eight days. Expect a sea of caps, golf claps, and queues for coffee.
Practice day gates open at 09:00 BST on Sunday, then from 07:00 on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. On the tournament days? It’s an early start — 06:00 on Thursday and Friday, and 07:00 for the weekend rounds.
Phones? Yes. But on silent, please. Rucksacks and packed lunches? Absolutely. Alcohol from home? Not a chance. The R&A is strict about that.
Leave the selfie sticks, portable speakers, flares, and fireworks behind. Same goes for pets — except guide dogs. Pushchairs and buggies are fine, so little ones can come along too. Want to catch the perfect view? Sorry, ladders and periscopes are out.
Wi-Fi will be available at the grandstands and in the spectator village, where food and merchandise stalls will be waiting. Perfect for posting those hole-in-one moments (even if they’re not yours).
Yes — but don’t forget to grab a wristband before leaving. That’ll let you head into Portrush town and return later. Handy for a breather or a bite.
There’s no public parking beside Royal Portrush. Instead, park-and-ride services are available, with a £17 charge from Thursday to Sunday.
Public transport is being encouraged, but it’s not all smooth sailing. Translink staff under the TSSA banner have threatened strike action on Friday 18 and Saturday 19 July. That could mean widespread disruption across the rail network.
Still, extra bus and train services are on the cards from 14 July. Arrive early — at least 30 minutes before departure — to beat the crowds.
“There will be enhanced train capacity and frequency, including additional services to Portrush and late evening return services,” said Sarah Simpson, Translink’s northern area manager.
“Special bus and coach services are also available in addition to normal Goldliner services. I would encourage anyone heading to The Open to visit our website for travel options.”
A lot has changed since Royal Portrush last hosted The Open six years ago. Belfast now boasts the Grand Central Station transport hub. Train services to and from Dublin have ramped up, easing travel for southern fans. Hotels in Belfast, Londonderry, and Portrush have expanded, though rooms are now in short supply. Bookings have gone fast — really fast.
The Open isn’t just a win for golf — it’s a windfall for Northern Ireland. The last time the championship hit Portrush, the local economy saw a £100 million boost. This year, experts believe that number could more than double.
“The last time it was reckoned there was £100m of economic benefit, this time it’s likely to double to over £213m as a projected figure for all aspects of the economy – tourism, retail, hospitality, there’s something in it for everyone,” said Janice Gault, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation.
Just a heads-up: the event is cashless. So bring your cards — bars, shops and food vendors won’t take cash.
Northern Ireland’s golden boy is back in the spotlight after his win at The Masters. McIlroy mania is taking over, and there’s a nostalgic twist — a washing machine challenge, honouring his childhood TV appearance, is being set up at Grand Central Station. Yes, really. Fans can take a swing at chipping golf balls into it.
With local pride, record crowds, and golf’s elite in town, the 153rd Open is shaping up to be more than just a tournament. It’s a celebration.
