What are the reasons RCD has never hosted an Open? It seems to be a better test than Royal Troon and imo, a much more interesting course.
To get Portrush back on the rota there was significant investment by the government; so much that they negotiated a minimum of 3 Opens in a short period of time to justify it. Worked well and I'm in the ballot to return next year.
Newcastle Co Down, is a smaller town (less accommodation) and today has no train line to Belfast. Doesn't explain why it has never had one though.
This afternoon is a big test for Rory. He talked this week about how the pressure of playing in Ireland has sometimes got to him, the opening hole at Portrush comes to mind. Generally he's starting to look like a Sunday bottler in the majors. He's played conservative golf all week and it's worked. A victory today would set up next summer's Open. I'd love to see him win both.