The 2019 British Open promises to be an epic event as it returns to Northern Ireland’s famed Royal Portrush Golf Club (July 18 – 21) for the first time since 1951. This will be only the second time in the tournament’s rich 150-year history it will be hosted outside of Scotland and England.
Along with the opportunity to attend the momentous event in person, our travel experts can create dynamic itineraries featuring luxury accommodations, tee-times on several of the world’s finest links courses (where local Open champions Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell and Darren Clarke learned to play the game), and a personal driver to make local transportation a breeze.
Check out the sample itinerary below for inspiration, then contact us to book or build a custom trip of a lifetime.
Belfast & The Open Package (Five Days)
Day One (Thursday, July 18): Arrive in Belfast and enjoy the first round of the adventure at Ardglass Golf Club. Set along Northern Ireland’s dramatic southeast coast in County Down, Ardglass sits regally on a craggy peninsula 35 miles south of Belfast. Its clubhouse, considered the oldest in golf, dates back to 1405.
The exposed topography enables sea breezes to gust across the splendid layout, potentially wreaking havoc to the scorecard. In addition to the wind, rollicking fairways and firm, tiny greens provide all the challenge you’ll ever want. Ardglass is a thrill to play! Be sure to stop in the clubhouse bar as it’s one of the friendliest 19th holes in Northern Ireland. Your luxurious Belfast hotel awaits for four nights of deluxe accommodations.
Day Two (Friday, July 19): Continue your epic journey with 18 holes at iconic Royal County Down Golf Club, Golf Digest’s No. 1 ranked course in the world. Situated in the stunning Murlough Nature Reserve against the striking background of the mountains of Mourne, the famous course is known for its “bearded” bunkers, featuring overhanging lips of marram, red fescue and heather.
Home to one of the most photographed holes in the world, the stout par-4 9th features a blind tee shot from an elevated tee to a narrow, rolling fairway framed elegantly by the towering peak in the distance, Slieve Donard. Royal County Down is a true “bucket list” course!
Day Three (Saturday, July 20): Attend the penultimate day of The Open. Cheer for your favorite players as they fight to get an advantage heading into the dramatic final round. Pay attention to the new par-5 7th and par-4 8th holes, recently created by architect Martin Ebert to challenge today’s longer hitters. Both holes are splendid and should give the best players in the world all the challenge they want.
Fun Fact: Royal Portrush has just 64 bunkers, the least of any links in The Open rota.
Day Four (Sunday, July 21): Enjoy all the fun, competition and pageantry of the final day of The Open and see who will victoriously hoist the iconic Claret Jug.
Our own affinity with raising silverware at Royal Portrush Golf Club comes thanks to our late founder and arguably Ireland’s greatest ever amateur golfer, Joe Carr. Joe won one of his three British Amateur Championships on the Dunluce Course back in 1960.
Day Five (Monday, July 23): Return home to share tales of your unforgettable Open experience.
By the way, just a couple hours’ drive from Belfast, Dublin makes an ideal add-on to a 2019 Open trip. While in Dublin, be sure to visit Portmarnock Golf Club and The European Club. Both are world-class. Wherever you decide to tee it up, leave time to explore the bustling capital of the “Emerald Isle.”
Browse our additional sample itineraries here, before contacting our travel team to tailor-make a memorable Open experience.
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