The Fried Egg Golf Club has released its latest edition of Design Notebook, focusing on the evolving landscape of the Open Championship and its host courses. This Open-week edition examines which courses currently hold a place in the tournament’s rotation, potential new candidates, and those that might be phased out.
Recent comments from former R&A CEO Martin Slumbers highlight the organization’s desire to enhance the Open’s brand, commercial success, and crowd experience. The significant turnout at the 2024 Open, with projected attendance hitting 250,000 at Royal Portrush, illustrates the soaring popularity of the tournament. Such large numbers necessitate venues that can accommodate vast crowds, marking a shift from the past when some traditional sites felt lacking in capacity.
Prominent courses such as St. Andrews, Royal Liverpool, Royal Troon, Royal Portrush, and Royal Birkdale have made substantial investments in infrastructure, positioning themselves as mainstays in the rota. St. Andrews remains the only course to host the event twice per decade. On the other hand, Royal St. George’s, despite its integral role historically, has yet to secure a future Open date post-pandemic, potentially due to limited lodging options in the area.
Looking forward, there’s optimism about Portmarnock Golf Club in Dublin becoming the first venue outside the UK to host the Open, with supportive gestures from the Irish government and a renovation plan in progress. Muirfield has also shown promise of returning to the rota, contingent on negotiations surrounding the Scottish Open’s scheduling.
Conversely, Trump Turnberry remains a contentious topic after its purchase by Donald Trump in 2014, with the R&A hesitant to return due to political implications and logistical concerns. Recent discussions involving UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and government pressure indicate that while there are efforts to rekindle this relationship, any return is unlikely before Trump’s political future is clarified.
Carnoustie is also facing challenges in its future participation due to lodging inadequacies since its last hosting in 2018, despite high attendance numbers in the past. The recent transfer of ownership to a private consortium raises questions about its future relationship with the R&A.
Notably, Royal Lytham & St. Annes might be sidelined from future events due to logistical constraints, though R&A officials have not fully dismissed the possibility of a return.
Ultimately, as the R&A explores new horizons for the Open, including venues beyond traditional borders, the integrity of the tournament’s rich history remains a concern. The uniqueness of the Open, firmly rooted in the links of Great Britain and Ireland, will be essential for maintaining its prestigious reputation.
In related news, the team behind the Pines trio of golf clubs in North Carolina is embarking on improvement projects after acquiring additional facilities, while renowned architectural firms are busy with renovation plans at various notable clubs.
This combination of innovation and dedication to the sport hints at a bright future for golf, highlighting the ongoing commitment to enhancing course experiences while honoring the traditions that make events like the Open Championship special.