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Daily Mirror
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
The Open star doesn't hold back on Padraig Harrington's comments – 'Stupidest thing!'
Three-time major winner Padraig Harrington has suggested that The Open could be played in countries outside of the UK, but his comments have not gone down well with Billy Horschel Billy Horschel has snapped back at Padraig Harrington after the Irishman suggested hosting The Open Championship abroad. This year's tournament returns to Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland for the first time since 2019, when Shane Lowry lifted the trophy. Harrington, a two-time winner in 2007 and 2008, will once again be in the hunt. Earlier this year, the 53-year-old stirred some controversy by suggesting The Open could be held in other nations, including France and Australia. These proposals surfaced as speculation swirled around the possibility of hosting the event in the Republic of Ireland for the first time. "If it goes outside of the UK and comes down south to the Republic, you're kind of saying it can go anywhere," he told Bunkered."I'm not saying now, but who knows, in 100 years we could be down in the sandbelt in Australia. "Even 20 years, why not? There's also great links golf courses in the Netherlands. France have great links courses. I don't think it should ever go off a links course. "But who says we shouldn't go down to the great links in New Zealand? The R&A is a global entity and they run golf around the world, they do a great job." When asked about these remarks during an episode of The Fried Egg Podcast, Horschel strongly pushed back. He labelled the proposal as absurd, saying: "The stupidest freaking thing I've ever heard. I'm happy if that goes viral. "You're going to move The Open Championship from links-style courses, and if you play them on links-style courses in other countries, it's not the same as being played in the UK. "I'm okay with going to Ireland and playing Portmarnock. I love that golf course, I think it's great. I played it during the Walker Cup practice session [in 2007]. "But to take it outside the UK, I just can't think of a course outside of the [British Isles] that would fit the feel and everything that is The Open Championship. I hope it doesn't happen. I'm old school, I always want to see it played in the UK." The 2025 edition is scheduled for Royal Birkdale, with St Andrews lined up for 2027. Organisers have yet to finalise other upcoming venues, though it's expected that the 2028 tournament may be moved on the calendar to avoid overlapping with the Summer Olympics.
Irish Daily Mirror
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Padraig Harrington's comments slammed by PGA star – 'Stupidest freaking thing'
Billy Horschel has sharply criticised Padraig Harrington following the Irish golfer's statements about where The Open should be held in the future. The championship is returning to Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland this year for the first time since Shane Lowry's win there in 2019. Harrington, a past champion in 2007 and 2008, will be competing again. Earlier this year, Harrington, 53, raised eyebrows when he publicly encouraged the R&A to explore holding The Open in non-traditional locations, citing nations such as Australia and France. His comments coincided with rumours suggesting the event might soon be staged in the Republic of Ireland for the very first time. "If it goes outside of the UK and comes down south to the Republic, you're kind of saying it can go anywhere," he told Bunkered. "I'm not saying now, but who knows, in 100 years we could be down in the sandbelt in Australia. "Even 20 years, why not? There's also great links golf courses in the Netherlands. France have great links courses. I don't think it should ever go off a links course. "But who says we shouldn't go down to the great links in New Zealand? The R&A is a global entity and they run golf around the world, they do a great job." Billy Horschel has made it clear that he does not agree with Harrington's idea (Image: GETTY) Horschel was asked to respond to Harrington's comments during a guest spot on The Fried Egg Podcast and he didn't hold back. He dismissed the notion entirely, saying: "The stupidest freaking thing I've ever heard. I'm happy if that goes viral. "You're going to move The Open Championship from links style courses, and if you play them on links-style courses in other countries, it's not the same as being played in the UK. "I'm okay with going to Ireland and playing Portmarnock. I love that golf course, I think it's great. I played it during the Walker Cup practice session [in 2007]. Padraig Harrington is a two time Open Championship winner (Image: GETTY) "But to take it outside the UK, I just can't think of a course outside of the [British Isles] that would fit the feel and everything that is The Open Championship. I hope it doesn't happen. I'm old school, I always want to see it played in the UK." Royal Birkdale in England is set to host next year's edition of The Open, with the championship scheduled to return to St Andrews in 2027. Further host venues remain unannounced, though the 2028 tournament is expected to be shifted to a different date to avoid overlap with the Olympics.
