Amateur Championship could bolster Ballyliffin's bid for future Open Championship

Following the triumphant hosting of the DP World Tour's Irish Open in 2018, Ballyliffin is set to further bolster its reputation by hosting the Amateur Championship this week, with rumours circulating that the north Donegal course could one day host the Open Championship. 

Last October, the R&A floated the idea of hosting The Open outside the UK for the first time, specifically considering Portmarnock for The Open or Women's Open. 

Currently, Portmarnock is the sole course in the Republic of Ireland under consideration for The Open. However, Ballyliffin remains undeterred in its ambition to one day host the prestigious tournament. 

Over the past three decades, Ballyliffin has evolved into a world-class links venue, becoming one of the standout stories in Irish golf. 

A pivotal moment in Ballyliffin’s history occurred in June 1993 when the then Open Champion Nick Faldo visited the course and praised the Old Links as "the most natural golf course I've ever seen". 

Designed by Pat Ruddy and Tom Craddock, the course opened to widespread acclaim in 1995, marking the beginning of Ballyliffin’s rise. 

Faldo even attempted to purchase Ballyliffin a few years later, an offer politely declined by the club members. 

Despite hosting the Women's Irish Open and events on the Challenge Tour and European Senior Tour, there was skepticism about Ballyliffin's suitability for the Irish Open. 

However, these doubts were dispelled in July 2018 when the Inishowen venue welcomed a record European Tour crowd of over 95,000, who enjoyed watching Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm on the Glashedy course. 

This summer, Ireland will host a trio of premier amateur events, beginning with the 129th Amateur Championship at Ballyliffin. This significant amateur competition is returning to Irish soil for the first time since 2019. 

A total of 288 players will compete in stroke and match play competitions that started on Monday and will run to Saturday, with free admission for spectators throughout the week. 

This prestigious event promises excitement, with many, including Donegal’s own Ryan Griffin, dreaming of a home victory.  

Griffin earned his spot by winning the R&A Student Tour Series Order of Merit and is eagerly anticipating a memorable week. 

Farren commented on the significance of the event this week saying: “It’s a massive week, 288 players go to town today, that’s 144 on each course, before there’s a cut on Wednesday down to 64 and there will more than likely be a play-off to get it down to 64 players." 

He added, “We’re looking forward to this and we hope the weather improves and we can get people out to see the Rory McIlroys of the future.” 

Farren acknowledged the extensive preparation for the event, stating, “Since the announcement two years ago, we have been preparing as early as possible so everything is vetted in leading up to the tournament. It’s been a long process, with the R&A in reviewing the course on a monthly basis, which has brought its own challenges but also opportunities for us to improve our facilities.” 

He expressed gratitude for the chance to showcase Ballyliffin and Donegal on a global stage: “It’s a great opportunity to showcase the area with television and media, so obviously we want to put our best foot forward, and we’re delighted that the members and volunteers have come out in great numbers and showcase the event.” 

Farren highlighted the crucial role of volunteers: “We have about 140 volunteers and this would not happen without them and they will be so helpful over the full 10 days of the event, and they are very long days too. They start at 5am and can go on until 9pm, but the enthusiasm is there and the pride of the place is there.”