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The R&A (Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews) announced on Monday (June 16th) that the Open Championship will return to Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland.

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SOUNDBITE: (English) Peter Dawson, R&A chief executive:

"Golf enjoys passionate support in Northern Ireland and indeed throughout Ireland, and we expect there will be huge interest in the Championship, from the many thousands of golf fans here. I'd like to thank Royal Portrush Golf Club for its willingness to host the Open. There's a rich golfing heritage here, with the club having famously hosted the Open in 1951 when Englishman Max Faulkner lifted the Claret Jug. And since then it has played host to the Irish Open - just two years ago - and the Senior Open (Championship) on six occasions. Royal Portrush is also hosting the Amateur Championship for the third time this week."