Guinness Gone: Open Fever Sweeps Portrush

Increased Business for Portrush Hospitality

Portrush has experienced an overwhelming surge in business as the town hosts The Open Championship. This week has exceeded expectations for local hospitality businesses, with nearly 280,000 golf spectators attending the event at Royal Portrush throughout the week.

The tournament action began on Thursday, and it lived up to the high expectations set by many traders in the County Londonderry town. One bar has been so busy that it will need an extra delivery of Guinness to manage through the weekend.

Adrian Calvin, general manager at The Quays, shared that his pub has been bustling from mid-morning until late at night all week. “It’s great to see that nighttime trade back which is something we haven’t had in a long time,” he said. He added that the upturn in business started in February, with many people traveling from around the world to play the course hosting The Open.

In preparation for the tournament, Mr. Calvin doubled the pub's Guinness order, but it sold out quickly. “I'm going to have to get a delivery on Friday,” he said.

Danny Coyles, general manager of The Station bar, described the week as fantastic so far. “We've been busy from when we opened the doors at 11:30 right through,” he said. “We're looking forward to three more busy days.” He noted that the atmosphere has been amazing, with visitors being fantastic and really lovely to host.

Mr. Coyles mentioned that the bar bought in a month's stock for the week. “We probably need every bit of it,” he said. He emphasized that the entire experience is positive, with amazing scenery, fantastic golf, good atmosphere in bars, and good entertainment. “This is a beautiful part of the world… I think the tourism thing will grow exponentially after this, and we’re certainly ready for it.”

Traders had hoped to see the benefits of a change in policy at The Open compared to when Royal Portrush last hosted the event in 2019. During that time, spectators could not return to the course once they had left it. This year, fans who receive a wristband are free to come and go.

Heather Stewart, general manager at The Marcus Portrush, described the atmosphere in Portrush as "electric." She said guest numbers have been increasing daily since Sunday. “We are hoping to keep on that upward trajectory,” she said. Ms. Stewart also mentioned that The Marchs is already seeing long-term benefits from The Open, with guests returning to book for later dates.

Nicholas Morgan and Collis Parrish traveled from Texas in the United States for the golf tournament. “Everybody is like your best friend,” Mr. Morgan said. “You walk into the bars and it’s like you’ve known them your whole life.” They are staying in Belfast and taking the train to the north coast, noting that prices have been “very reasonable” across the board.

Mr. Parrish mentioned that the pair are trying to play golf while visiting despite having no clubs, and people they met on the course went out of their way to get them clubs so they could play. He said he found prices “very affordable” and hasn’t seen anything out of the ordinary compared to what they pay at home for similar services.

Another group of golf fans told FIKS FITNews NI that they traveled from Newcastle in England to watch The Open. It is their first time visiting the area, and they said there has been a “buzz” since they arrived. The environment has been “completely inclusive,” they added. “There's been a real blend of people, we've been speaking to someone from Chicago, from England, someone from Spain.”

They are hoping to see Rory McIlroy walk off with the claret jug on Sunday evening.

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