Staff WriterWell, batten down the hatches and break out the Guinness—the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush is shaping up to be an absolute barnburner.
The R&A has confirmed that a staggering 278,000 fans will flood the rugged and revered Dunluce links from July 13 to 20, turning the Antrim Coast into golf’s version of Woodstock—with fewer guitars and a lot more argyle.
It’ll be the biggest Open ever staged outside St Andrews, and judging by the numbers, previous records aren’t just being broken—they’re being driven off the cliff at full throttle.
Record‑Breaking Crowds
Since its triumphant return in 2019, Royal Portrush has captured the imagination of golf fans worldwide.
Last time around, more than one million people entered the ticket ballot for just 237,750 places—an appetite so fierce even the legendary Dunluce cliffs seemed to hum.
This summer, organisers have answered the call: 278,000 spectators will soak up every birdie, bunker escape and back‑nine charge, ensuring an atmosphere as electric as the Irish Sea breeze.
Mark Darbon, Chief Executive at The R&A, said, “The Open is one of the world’s great sporting events and we will do everything we can to make this year’s Championship at Royal Portrush an outstanding and memorable occasion for everyone involved from fans to players and the millions watching on TV and digital platforms worldwide.
“The passion and enthusiasm for golf throughout the island of Ireland is world‑renowned and is clearly reflected in the extraordinary demand among fans to be part of this historic occasion.
We look forward to welcoming a record crowd to these spectacular links for a true celebration of golf and seeing who emerges from the 156‑strong field to become Champion Golfer of the Year.”
Economic Boost for Northern Ireland
Beyond the roars on the fairways, the 153rd Open Royal Portrush promises a windfall for the local economy.
A forecast by Sheffield Hallam University’s Sport Industry Research Centre (SIRC) predicts a total benefit exceeding £213 million—£63 million in direct spending and more than £150 million in global destination marketing through TV and digital coverage.
“It’s clear that staging a major event such as The Open can generate significant economic benefits for the locations in which they are held and this study demonstrates the huge benefit that the Championship brings,” said Darbon.
“We are grateful to the government and local agencies in Northern Ireland for their investment and support in bringing the Championship back to Royal Portrush after the success of 2019.
Their enthusiasm and expertise has been crucial to our planning and we thank them for the work they have contributed towards making this possible.”
A Showcase for Tourism and Community
Aine Kearney, Director of Events at Tourism Northern Ireland, said, “With less than three months to go until The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush, excitement is building and all the partners involved in the delivery of the Championship are working in collaboration to make it even bigger and more memorable than 2019.
“The Open in 2019 brought huge economic benefits, not just to the North Coast, but to the whole of Northern Ireland and 2025 will be no different.
“It is shaping up to be another world‑class sporting event which presents us with an invaluable opportunity to further raise Northern Ireland’s profile as a must‑see travel and golf destination as well as a fantastic place to invest.”
Youth, Spirit and the Open Experience
In keeping with its reputation as golf’s most welcoming major, The Open’s long‑standing Kids Go Free scheme returns with over 27,000 free tickets for under‑16s and discounted entry for under‑25s. Since its launch in 1997, 434,000 children have enjoyed The Open at no cost.
Practice Days have already sold out, with a record 89,000 spectators expected—surpassing the 61,000 who witnessed the equivalent sessions in 2019.
And for those keen to wake up to the misty beauty of Royal Portrush, the On‑Site Camping Village will host 4,600 guests, nearly a third of whom are under 25—equivalent to 20,000 free bed nights provided since 2016.
Whether you’re chasing the next Rory‑style charge down the closing stretch or simply savouring a pint and a sandwich beside the 18th, the 153rd Open Royal Portrush promises to be a week to remember—a true celebration of golf, community and Irish spirit.
