Golf-Royal Portrush confirmed as 2019 British Open host (Reuters)

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland, Oct 20 (Reuters) - The British Open will be held outside England and Scotland for the first time in more than 60 years when it returns to Northern Ireland's Royal Portrush in 2019, tournament organisers the Royal & Ancient (R&A) said on Tuesday.

The British Open championship was last held at the Northern Irish links course in 1951, the only other time the major championship was held anywhere but England and Scotland, and will be held there twice again in the future.

The return to Royal Portrush, the hometown of major champion Graeme McDowell and which also counts 2011 British Open champion Darren Clarke as a member, was announced last year but the date was subject…