The Open 2019: Portrush remains open on rota – R & A

American duo Bubba Watson and JB Holmes on the fifth green at Royal PortrushThe 148th Open Championship, Royal PortrushDates: 18-21 JulyCoverage: live text updates and in-play clips on the BBC Sport website, with live commentary on BBC Radio 5 live and daily highlights on BBC Two.Full details

R & A CEO Martin Slumbers says he expects Royal Portrush to remain on the Open rota for many more years. "

Slumbers made the comment when the announced sale was announced NI site attracts the second largest turnout in the history of the Open Championship.

"I think this week is a huge success in any way," said the R&A. chef.

"Hoylake and Portrush are locations that will be used for many years for the Open Championship. "

Following the suggestion of former champion Padraig Harrington earlier this week, the R&A boss spoke about considering hosting future Open Championships outs in the UK.

" We have 10 courses in the pool that we use for the Open Championship. We think this is 10 of the best left courses in the world and we are very happy with those 10 courses, "continued Slumbers, who emphasized that Donald Trump's Turnberry is still part of the Open rota.

Martin Slumbers is delighted with the build-up of the 148th Open Championship in Northern Ireland

"When you think back to the past years, when you returned to Carnoustie, going back to Hoylake were great successes."

On the theme of possible Open locations, Slumbers added that "it is not in my mind at all" to consider organizing the championship at a location in the interior.

"I think The Open revolves around being played best, linking golf courses to each other," he added.

The number of visitors this week, since the event returns to Portrush for the first time since 1951, will be 237,750 – 1,250 lower than the record ever set at St Andrews in 2000.

"We make history with a record number for a championship outside of St Andrews and the levels of excitement among fans this week have been phenomenal, "added the R&A chief.

This year's expected attendance surpasses the crowd of 235,000 who attended Royal Birkdal e in 2017 and the 237,000 mark set to St Andrews in 2015.

NI & # 39; s quadruple major Rory McIlroy urged the R & A to bring the Open back to Royal Portrush

A record number of 61,000 fans participated in this week's practice days, ending the previous high of 52,000 Hoylake in 2006.

The R&A boss played the impact that a loyalist band parade in Portrush on Saturday night will have on the championship.

"There is always something going on around the wave and that is great and the community carries on," he said.

"Our job is to set up the Open Championship and respect the fact that we are guests."

With the R & A as the boss of the British Open British Championship Next year, Slumbers added that "very careful consideration" was given to the view that the major's title should also be the Women's & # 39; s Open Championship.