Sources: Open Championship To Return To Northern Ireland's Royal Portrush In 2019

The Open Championship "likely will return to Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland for the first time in more than six decades," according to Jeff Rude of GOLF WEEK. One "insider" said that an announcement of a '19 Open there "could be made this summer." The only time the Open Championship has been held outside Scotland and England was in '51. One source called it "a done deal." The Royal & Ancient reportedly is "close to inviting Royal Portrush into the Open rota," but the club "would need member approval for several changes to the Dunluce Links," site of next month's British Amateur. The Open "would not use the current 17th and 18th holes." Golf architect Martin Ebert "would design two new holes." The 17th and 18th holes "would be used as a hospitality area" (GOLF WEEK, 5/16 issue).