25-06-2025
‘We'll all be cheering for Rory': Portrush pupils get behind-the-scenes glimpse of iconic venue ahead of The Open
The likes of Rory McIlroy will be among those battling for the famous Claret Jug when The Open returns to the seaside links course.
Around 280,000 spectators are expected over the four days of competition and the famous old course has been undergoing a transformation since the start of April.
All this week local schoolchildren have been taking a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to put on the spectacle and getting a chance to try their hand at the sport — all part of a special Road to the Open outreach scheme from Causeway Coast and Glens Council, the R&A, Golf Ireland and The Golf Foundation.
Today was the turn of P6 pupils from nearby Portrush Primary School.
After making the famous walk up the 18th and into the arena surrounded by grandstands, the man on the green waiting to talk them through the set-up for the event could hardly have been better versed in The Open.
Club professional Gary McNeill stepped in to play the final two rounds in 2019 as a marker. While thousands watched these two rounds, and he still has the videos to prove it, his audience so far in 2025 has been schoolchildren.
'We managed to bring kids from a lot of local primary schools to the club to give them a little tour of what's going on — introduce them to golf,' he explained.
'Many of them might not have played before. They have maybe watched golf on the TV, but it's a fantastic opportunity for them all to come along, get to experience the venue and try their hand at golf.
'It's been very well-received. They're asking a lot of good questions and one of the highlights has been the chance to get their photographs taken with the trophy that the winner will be presented with here on the 18th green in a few weeks time.
'The build started here right at the beginning of April. It's considerably bigger than it was in 2019. There's seating around the course for around 15,000 people, 5,000 around the 18th green arena alone.
'When we brought the kids through to the 18th green area to show it to them, they were very impressed by the scale and size of it.
'I think it's really important to do this. The likes of Rory McIlroy do so much to promote golf in Northern Ireland — he attracts so many young people to the game. Just asking them all who they think might win and there's one name that comes up every time.
"That's the impact he's had. But what better way to encourage the next generation of golfers than bringing them along to the venue, letting them see for themselves what the atmosphere is like and what the game is all about, maybe pick up a putter for the first time and give it a go.'
"I think they were quite shocked by how fast the ball moved across the green with just the slightest touch. It's not as easy as the professionals make it look,' added Gary.
'It's been lovely and the kids have all been so appreciative of the experience, taking a great interest in what we're saying and what we've been doing.'
Portrush Primary School pupils Sam and Tom both said they'd love a go around the real course next — and they will both be back to watch the professionals take it on next month.
'I'd really like to play golf now,' said Sam. 'We have tickets to come on the Saturday and Sunday of the tournament so I'm really looking forward to seeing it,' he said.
'Sadly I don't,' said his classmate Georgie. 'But now I wish I had.'
And when they're asked who they most like to see lifting the trophy, which was on display alongside the first tee box for them to get a closer look, there was only one name on their minds.
'We'll all be cheering for Rory McIlroy,' said P6 pupil Martina.
Teacher Parlato Taylor admitted she was also starting to catch the golfing bug.
'My brother has been at me for a while to come out and have a go,' she admitted.
'Seeing what's been going on this year has been great and the opportunity for the children to come along and walk around the course, see the work that's been going on, has been brilliant for them.'
Also casting his eye over preparations was Mayor Oliver McMullan.
'I have to say, it is a good year to be Mayor when one of the biggest sporting events in the world is being hosted on our doorstep,' he said. 'There would be no sense in having something as big as this and not allowing the whole community to experience it in some way.
'I do play a little golf myself, but having seen around here, I think I'll leave this course to the professionals.'
