Epic journey to The Open stops off in Portrush
This free public event will showcase Northern Ireland's growing reputation as a must-visit destination for golfers, while sports fans will have the chance to take photos with the world-famous Claret Jug.
Tourism Northern Ireland teed off their Epic Journey at Belfast City Hall on Monday, before the drive to Kerr Street Green in Portrush on Friday (11am until 1pm), and then the short chip shot to Londonderry's Ebrington Square on May 7.
It will also feature a stop in Tullamore, Co Offaly, on May 21 at O'Connor Square - the home of the 2019 Open champion Shane Lowry.
With record-breaking numbers that year, The 148th Open at Royal Portrush was an overwhelming success story and there's no reason to doubt this summer's return to the famous Dunluce Links course – from July 13 to 20 – will be any different.
The action was beamed to more than 100m viewers worldwide in 2019 and the championship generated over £100m in economic benefit for the region.
Aine Kearney, Tourism NI director of events, said the championship created a tangible feel-good factor right across Northern Ireland when it last took place here.
She said: 'Northern Ireland is ready to extend a giant welcome to thousands of visitors from around the globe for The 153rd Open and to showcase the stunning Causeway Coast, and beyond, to a worldwide television audience.
'Bringing the Claret Jug on this epic journey to The 153rd Open allows us all to get involved in the build-up and the excitement to what promises to be an unforgettable week.
'Northern Ireland is made for golf and hosting The 153rd Open solidifies our reputation as a destination for world-class golf, tourism and hospitality and allows us to showcase our rich culture, natural beauty and warm welcome to visitors from around the world.'
The Epic Journey to The 153rd Open will also include a giant #TheOpen letter sculpture, designed by Tourism NI and made out of 4,000 golf balls, which was unveiled by global golfing hero, 2014 Open champion and recent Grand Slam winner Rory McIlroy, ahead of the 2019 Championship.
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