Royal Portrush to Host British Open in 2019

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland — The British Open will be staged at Royal Portrush in 2019, marking its return to the Northern Irish venue after 68 years.

The R&A made the announcement Tuesday, saying it is expected to be the biggest sporting event ever held in Northern Ireland — the home country of four-time major champion Rory McIlroy.

The British Open was last held at Royal Portrush in 1951 when Max Faulkner of England lifted the claret jug. That is the only time the event has been staged outside England or Scotland.

Calls for Northern Ireland to stage the British Open increased after McIlroy and fellow countrymen Graeme McDowell and Darren Clarke won major tournaments in the past five years.