The Element of Surprise

Ranked 8th on Golf Monthly’s most recent Top 100 Courses listing, the Dunluce at Royal Portrush is one of the great links courses of the world. It’s a classic Harry Colt design with impressive recent improvements by Martin Ebert. From July 14-21, Portrush will play host to The Open for the first time since Max Faulkner triumphed there in 1951.

Ahead of the championship’s long-awaited return to Northern Ireland, Gary McNeill, head professional at Royal Portrush since 1999, gives us his thoughts on the course and on what players and spectators can expect during the week of the 148th Open Championship…

First and foremost, the setting at Portrush is absolutely spectacular. This is a beautiful golf course and a beautiful