A First-Hand Guide to Experiencing The Open at Royal Portrush

Planning a golf trip to Royal Portrush for The Open Championship is a dream for many golfers. Between the breathtaking coastal scenery, the electric atmosphere of the tournament, and the charm of nearby Belfast, this destination offers the perfect blend of golf, travel, and culture.

At Golfbreaks, we specialize in creating stress-free golf travel packages so you can focus on what really matters: the golf, the sights, and the memories. In this guide, I’ll share my personal journey and highlights from the trip, showing how a Golfbreaks golf vacation turns a dream tournament into a seamless, stress-free adventure.

I based my trip in Belfast, Northern Ireland, which is about a 90-minute train ride to Portrush.

Our hotel was just a five-minute walk from the train station- very convenient, you could actually see it from where we were staying! The station itself had a few great spots for grabbing coffee or a little snack before hopping on the train, which made the morning routine so easy. Honestly, that part of the trip was such a treat. The scenery along the way was stunning, and it gave me a chance to really relax and soak it all in- perfect for both before and after the tournament!

Once we arrived in Portrush, it was about a 10–15-minute walk to the course, though there was also a complimentary shuttle if you preferred to skip the stroll. I chose to walk one of the days as I wanted to soak up more of the stunning Northern Ireland scenery, and see the famous mural of Shane Lowry.

What made this trip so easy was having everything pre-planned. With train tickets booked in advance, our group could travel at our own pace, whether heading back early or staying later to soak in more of the tournament. This flexibility is exactly why so many golfers turn to Golfbreaks golf packages—we handle the logistics so you can focus on the experience.

Royal Portrush Golf Club is unlike anything I’ve ever seen- set dramatically along the coast with sweeping views of the sea. The energy of the crowd was electric, and being so close to the world’s best golfers created a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

One of my favorite parts was meeting fellow fans: women golfers, first-timers, families, and even non-golfers simply enjoying the atmosphere. Everyone can experience the tournament differently. Some choose to follow a favorite player, others stay at a single hole, and many relax at the massive viewing screens while enjoying food and drinks. I did it all, of course! One highlight for me was meeting a solo woman while waiting to get onto the Hole 1 stand. It was exciting to hear her perspective on the players and the sport, especially as I’m still learning the game myself. Hospitality tents, family areas, and food trucks were everywhere. I sampled local favorites like sausage rolls, toasties, pies, and even the famous “fifteens.” The combination of amazing golf, lively crowds, and good food options made the tournament experience truly unforgettable. Pro tip: don’t forget an umbrella and a warm layer- the coastal weather can change quickly.

This tournament reminded me why golf travel experiences are about so much more than just the sport.

While being able to enjoy the tournament, there was definitely more to do outside of the event. One thing I would recommend is building in a few free days to really enjoy the city you’re staying in while taking in the tournament. Belfast has so much to offer beyond the fairways! During my stay, I:

• Enjoyed live music in traditional pubs
• Explored the farmers market and boutique shops
• Toured the Titanic Museum
• Took long walks through historic neighborhoods
• Sampled local food (the sausage rolls were a personal favorite)

Along the way, I learned a little about the history of the area, which was one of my favorite parts as it was my first time to Ireland/Northern Ireland. For anyone traveling to The Open (or any golf tournament), I really think balancing golf with city exploration is the way to go! With Golfbreaks golf trips to Ireland, you can combine world-class golf with the chance to explore some of the UK and Ireland’s most vibrant cities.

This trip was the perfect balance of world-class golf, effortless travel, and cultural exploration. From the scenic train rides to the excitement of The Open, every detail made the experience memorable. What made it truly stress-free was having everything- tickets, transportation, and accommodations- organized in advance. That’s exactly what Golfbreaks provides: expertly curated golf vacations that make travel easy, affordable, and unforgettable. Sharing the experience with fellow lady golfers was the ultimate treat. After attending my first major tournament in 2024, I already knew some of the players, which made watching them in action at this event even more exciting. It’s inspired me to try different tournaments, see my favorite golfers, and explore the unique food and atmosphere at each one. For women golfers planning a trip like this, my advice is simple: enjoy the golf, but also take time to explore the city, chat with locals, sample the food, and soak up the tournament energy.

If you’re planning to attend The Open at Royal Portrush or any other major golf tournament, here are my best tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes- you’ll walk a lot.
• Pack layers- the coastal weather is unpredictable.
• Bring a small umbrella- rain is always possible.
• Carry a portable charger- it’s a long day, and you’ll want photos.
• Use a lightweight backpack- easy to carry essentials.
• Check tee times in advance- plan your day around favorite players.
• Visit the merchandise store- perfect for souvenirs to remember your time at the tournament.

Whether you’re inspired to attend The Open, visit Royal Portrush Golf Club, or explore golf trips across the UK and Ireland, and the US, trust the experts at Golfbreaks.

With over 25 years of experience and more than 3 million golfers sent on trips worldwide, we’re proud to be recognized as the go-to golf travel experts. Let us take care of the details while you enjoy the ultimate golf vacation.