The return of The Open to Portrush in 2024 would be & # 039; special & # 039; – McDowell

McDowell finished in 57th place at Royal Portrush

Graeme McDowell has supported Royal Portrush to re-organize the Open Championship in 2024.

Golf's oldest major returned for the first time in 68 years to the Dunluce Links last week with Shane Lowry from Ireland who sealed a six-shot victory on Sunday.

The original deal guaranteed Portrush at least three opens in 30 years.

After the success of this year's tournament, the R&A is understood to consider bringing it back to Portrush in 2024.

McDowell, who finished fifth after a final round 77, says that a return in 2024 would be "special".

"I also heard the whisper that we could be back here in five years," said the US Open champion of 2010.

"I think with Portrush's financial commitment to that end has done, because to come back soon and make sure that the Portrush train would continue to run enormously, "he said.

Lowry will defend at Royal St George & # 39; s in 2020, while the 150th edition will be held 12 months later at St Andrews.

Royal Liverpool, the scene of Rory McIlroy's victory in 2014, will take place in 2022, with Muirfield expected to take over in 2023.

With St Andrews touted as the location for 2025, leaving 2024 as a possibility, with competition brought from Royal Lytham, which last took place in 2012.

"If we have to wait another 10 years, the cream can rub between now and then and people can forget," McDowell added. "Hopefully we can get it back soon – it would be very special."