Loyalist band parade bypasses the minds of most overseas visitors to Portrush
Despite the controversy, headlines and tee-time changes caused by the Sons of Ulster parade in Portrush this weekend, the majority of international visitors to The Open don't seem to know it's even taking place.
The loyalist flute band will hold its annual event on Saturday night, with the timings coinciding with the third round of the golf Major.
Organisers say 77 bands are expected to take part, with approximately 2,000 spectators.
Mark Darbon, chief executive of the R&A (Royal & Ancient), said there would be 'marginal adjustments' of about 15 minutes to the golf tee-times on Saturday to try and ensure both events take place in a 'seamless' way.
Local TUV councillor Allister Kyle said the last time The Open was held on the north coast in 2019, the band ran a concert in Portrush amphitheatre and 'the Americans loved it'.
The Belfast Telegraph stopped visiting golf fans at Royal Portrush yesterday to ask if they'll be watching the parade.
But for nearly all of them, it was their first time hearing about it.
Not Zoe Weinberg, though. She grew up in Michigan and lives in London. Her boyfriend is English, but his parents live in Moville, Co Donegal.
She said: 'I do know what it is, actually — they wear bowler hats? And they almost got paid £20,000 to not do it, and they've decided to still do it.
'We won't be there because we'll be back in Donegal. We're coming back on Sunday.
'I don't even know enough about it to even think [about going to watch it]. I just wanna go hang out and have a relaxing evening.'
Canadian Karen Caulfield lives near Toronto. During this trip, a special highlight was finally visiting Castlecaulfield in Co Tyrone, her namesake.
She said: 'I have friends that live in Coleraine, so we're close by here.
'We've been to St Andrews, and Portrush blows it away. It's a better viewing course. I have been fortunate to golf at Royal County Down numerous times over the years.'
Karen has witnessed loyalist bands in Belfast before, and 'wouldn't mind going to see it, except for the crowds'.
She added: 'It's interesting too, because it might cause a little divide, right?
'I just volunteered at the Canadian Open and we get rock bands to play every night, so I actually looked for music at The Open and AI said that no, they don't do any concerts at this.
'We have a huge stage at The Canadian Open on one of the holes not being used, and two of our top Canadian artists play — Billy Talent and Sam Roberts.'
She did suggest The Open should maybe follow suit — and get the likes of Westlife and Snow Patrol to play next time.
Scott Olson from Minnesota lived in Derry for about a year and knows about loyalist band culture, but had no idea about the parade.
He's attending the tournament all weekend, but just wanted to soak up the golf.
'No, probably not,' was his answer about attending the parade.
Meanwhile, the PSNI has advised road users to anticipate traffic disruption.
The parade is due to begin at 8.30pm on Metropole Green before moving onto Sandhill Drive, Eglinton Street, Kerr Street, Upper Main Street, Main Street, Causeway Street, Victoria Street, and finish on Dunluce Avenue at around 11pm.
Additional traffic management measures will be implemented from 6-11pm with all roads into Portrush town temporarily closed to facilitate the volume of participants and spectators.
Road closures include Coleraine Road at Glenvale Avenue Junction, Hopefield Avenue and Girona Avenue, Girona Park by Girona Avenue, and Girona Avenue by Ballywillan Road.
The PSNI said: 'Officers will be on the ground during the parade to assist with traffic diversions. Any diversions will be made where necessary for vehicular movement, and local businesses will remain open and accessible as usual.'
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