Royal Portrush Golf Club, host of next year’s Open Championship, has completed a £165,000 project to strengthen the coastal erosion defences protecting part of the famous Dunluce links.
With major new work underway on the links in preparation for the 2025 Open Championship, there were heightening fears that heavy winter storms could cause damage to the course.
But following lengthy discussions with officials of the Department of the Environment, Agriculture and Rural Affairs to secure a Marine Licence, the go-ahead was given in February for the work to start.
The project, which was carried out by Belfast-based company Northstone Materials, involved extending the rock armour by 20 metres on a stretch of the East Strand below the fifth green and the sixth tee box, ensuring the long-term protection to the most vulnerable section of the golf course.
Royal Portrush general manager John Lawler said: “The erosion experienced at the back of the sixth tee was of huge concern and presented a serious threat to this area of the course. This modest increase to the existing defences will provide a more robust defence from winter storms.
“The completed works will allow us all to breathe easier, particularly with the 2025 Open just around the corner. The potential for catastrophic damage to this area of the course, especially so close to the Open, does not bear thinking about.”
North Antrim MP Ian Paisley, who is also chairman on the Westminster all-party group on golf, said: “Let’s be clear – without the defence work being carried out, the vital economic benefit that comes to Northern Ireland and the coast as a result of golf tourism as an economic driver, would be lost. I congratulate all those who worked tirelessly to make this happen. Northern Ireland will be the better for it, and our coastal asset strengthened as a result.”