Just a short time after welcoming its inaugural female members, Portmarnock Golf Club is now aspiring to hold the Women’s Open. The UK Cabinet is set to discuss, in their meeting tomorrow, the potential economic boost of almost €340 million that could come from hosting the Open Championship, often known as the British Open, and the Women’s Open, formerly termed the Women’s British Open, at the north Co Dublin based club.
The projected economic outcome is detailed in an analysis of the benefits of holding such high-profile tournaments at Portmarnock, a club that elected its first female members in its over 120-year existence in the year 2022. Minister for Sport, Catherine Martin is slated to present this analysis to the Government.
In July, Martin obtained Cabinet assent to investigate potential proposals to bring the Open Championships, which historically have only been held in the UK, to Dublin. Following this, an economic effects evaluation was carried out, and subsequent discussions with tournament organisers, the distinguished Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, have brought up the possibility of Ireland playing host to multiple Open tournaments in the future.
Portmarnock’s convenient location, being close to both the capital city and airport, as well as its capability to accommodate large audiences, are some of the factors making it a strong potential host for the tournament. According to the analysis report, hosting three Open Championships over a few years in addition to at least a single Women’s Open could lead to a total economic impact worth nearly €338 million. Estimates indicate that around 245,000 tickets could be sold annually when the competition is held in Portmarnock.
Martin had earlier, in July, shared her viewpoint that organising these championships would significantly contribute to bridging the gender participation disparity in sports and considerably elevate Ireland’s global reputation as a key golfing destination.