The Open, golf’s longest running tournament, returns to Royal Portrush golf course in Northern Ireland in 2025. Following the success of the 148th Open at Royal Portrush in 2019, the championship is once again set to boost tourism in the area.

Royal Portrush © Chris Hill Photographic

The Open generated more than £100 million for the economy of Northern Ireland two years ago, attracting a record attendance for the championship outside of St Andrews in Scotland, with 237,750 people attending throughout the week. In addition, hundreds of millions of viewers globally were able to enjoy the spectacle, as Irishman Shane Lowry performed superbly to become champion and lift the famous Claret Jug.

The 2025 championship, which will take place from 13 to 25 July, will be held in Northern Ireland for only the third time in the event’s history. Royal Portrush Golf Club is on the spectacular north coast of Northern Ireland, which is perhaps most famous for the Giant’s Causeway. However, it also boasts incredible sights such as Dunluce Castle, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and Rathlin island.

The Giant’s Causeway © Northern Ireland Tourist Board

Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, which organises the tournament, said: “We could not be more thrilled to be bringing The Open back to Royal Portrush in 2025. There will be huge excitement among golf fans around the world to see the best men’s players facing the challenge of this magnificent links course once again.

“The Open in 2019 was a massive success and showed just how much collective enthusiasm, passion and commitment there is to make Royal Portrush one of the leading venues for the Championship and to build a distinctive golf tourism brand for Northern Ireland.”

Royal Portrush © Tourism Ireland by Arthur Ward

First Minister of the Northern Ireland Executive Paul Givan MLA added: “Following the outstanding success of The Open at Royal Portrush in 2019 I am thrilled to welcome the return of the championship in 2025.

“It has been a key aim of the Executive to bring The Open back to Northern Ireland quickly and as we start our preparations to host the championship again, I am certain that it will provide a platform on which to build a global golfing destination brand for Portrush and Northern Ireland to complement that of St Andrews and Scotland, in partnership with The R&A.”

Royal Portrush © Tourism Ireland

If you or your group would like to enjoy a tailor-made golf tour in the UK and Ireland, perhaps including a visit to The Open, please do contact our friendly team today. While our golf tours can be designed for fans who want to play every day, we also cater for those who want to enjoy just a round or two on their vacation – and we can create a memorable itinerary for the non-golfers in your group too!