The countdown is on to the return of golf major The Open to Portrush next year as a mural of Irish golfer Shane Lowry was revealed in the Co Antrim town.
Following a win for American Xander Schauffele at the 152nd Open at Troon on Sunday, it is now a year to go to the eyes of the golfing world return to the north coast.
Portrush hosted the prestigious tournament, the only one of golf’s four major championships to be hosted outside the US, in 2019 in an event which saw hundreds of thousands of golf fans flock to the north coast.
Preparations are already underway ahead of the tournament, which is due to take place between July 13 and 20 2025.
When the event was hosted in Portrush five years ago, it generated an estimated £100m for the economy in the north.
As part of the preparations, a large mural of Co Offaly golfer Shane Lowry has been unveiled in the seaside town.
Lowry won the event the last time it came to town in 2019, while he was also in contention for much of last weekend’s Troon event.
Tourism NI is coordinating the multi-agency plan across government for the tournament, along with The R&A, Royal Portrush and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
John McGrillen, Chief Executive of Tourism NI, said: “We are really looking forward to The Open returning to Royal Portrush next year and it is already shaping up to be another fantastic occasion.
“The last Open back in 2019 brought huge benefits not just to the North Coast but to the whole of Northern Ireland.” he said.
“It allowed us to present a very positive image of Northern Ireland across the globe, not only as a golf destination but also as a place to visit and invest.”