Should The Open go to Ireland (ROI)?

[rksquire]

Quite often hard to have a sensible, reasoned argument when it comes to matters of Ireland and Britain / UK; be it Belfast born boxers at the Olympics or Golfers at the Olympics for that matter, the Irish Open being played in Northern Ireland or indeed The Open going back to Portrush - there's always an argument against it / for it. All said however, it's long been mooted that some of the other Majors should go outside America, why wouldn't the R&A at least consider as a viable option? There are close links, fantastic courses and in terms of infrastructure no real difference to having it in Portrush (a huge success). The argument against is, yes, it's British and unravelling that thread is the road to nowhere; and it does create an argument for someone, like France, to throw their name in the hat as a 'one-off' because the sticky plaster would have been ripped off by going to Ireland.

However, parts of the Giro and Tour de France take place outside of their traditional host countries so there is precedent and Golf by it's nature (excluding the Masters) is nomadic. Selfishly I'd like Portrush to be on the rota regularly and that is probably the main issue for the other rota venues - loss of revenue because it takes longer and longer to return if you keep adding. All in all, wouldn't be in favour of it at the minute, but if it becomes a necessity to counter Global Golf PL initiatives then I wouldn't lose any sleep over it.

 

[Doon frae Troon]

I have often wondered if golfing 'traditionalists' still support golfers playing in tweed suits with tackity boots whilst using hickory shafts and feathery hand made golf balls.

 

[Golfnut1957]

Quite often hard to have a sensible, reasoned argument when it comes to matters of Ireland and Britain / UK; be it Belfast born boxers at the Olympics or Golfers at the Olympics for that matter, the Irish Open being played in Northern Ireland or indeed The Open going back to Portrush - there's always an argument against it / for it. All said however, it's long been mooted that some of the other Majors should go outside America, why wouldn't the R&A at least consider as a viable option? There are close links, fantastic courses and in terms of infrastructure no real difference to having it in Portrush (a huge success). The argument against is, yes, it's British and unravelling that thread is the road to nowhere; and it does create an argument for someone, like France, to throw their name in the hat as a 'one-off' because the sticky plaster would have been ripped off by going to Ireland.

However, parts of the Giro and Tour de France take place outside of their traditional host countries so there is precedent and Golf by it's nature (excluding the Masters) is nomadic. Selfishly I'd like Portrush to be on the rota regularly and that is probably the main issue for the other rota venues - loss of revenue because it takes longer and longer to return if you keep adding. All in all, wouldn't be in favour of it at the minute, but if it becomes a necessity to counter Global Golf PL initiatives then I wouldn't lose any sleep over it.

This constant referencing of cycling events being held in other counties is somewhat misleading. The Tour de France may well have started in Harrogate or else where, but you can be sure that it finishes in Paris every year.
You could ask the French if they would mind it finishing in London one year, but you probably already know the answer.

 

[Doon frae Troon]

It was a wise move from the R&A to have overseas locations as qualifiers for Theee Open.
It has made it a more International event.

 

[Banchory Buddha]

No, no and no. It's a different country, game over.

Not even a discussion (except that we are on a forum and so we are making it one )

England is a different country, but the Open is now played on many of its courses

 

[Backache]

This constant referencing of cycling events being held in other counties is somewhat misleading. The Tour de France may well have started in Harrogate or else where, but you can be sure that it finishes in Paris every year.
You could ask the French if they would mind it finishing in London one year, but you probably already know the answer.

Thing is golf and cycling are not as you say the same. The 'European tour' takes place over at least three different continents.
You can look at Ireland from several points of view. Golfing, politically and geographically.
From a political point of view there are two separate states on the Island however geographically it is a single Island and importantly from a golfing point of view it is a single body covered by the golf union of Ireland.
It has already been held there twice, the last time it was considered by many to be one of the most successful Opens ever and you can readily see why the R&A who are very keen on promoting the game via The Open would consider holding it there.
At the end of the day it won't be down to our individual preferences however sincerely and deeply held they are as to where it 'should' be held, it will be down to the R&A considering what they think is in the best interest of the game.