Royal Portrush could host 2019 Open

Royal Portrush could host The Open in 2019 after a planning application for course renovations was approved.

The R&A confirmed that The Open would return to Northern Ireland last June providing that two new holes could be built to make space for corporate hospitality marquees and a spectator's village.

"I can't wait to see the plans evolve and playing the course in major championship-ready conditions," Portrush native and 2010 US Open champion Graeme McDowell told BBC Sport.

"It's exciting that the planning permission has come through. My little brother is on the green staff at Portrush and I know they can't wait to get their teeth into the renovations.

"With visitors coming over it will be a huge boost to the economy and so many great things will come out of this opportunity."

The Open was last held at Royal Portrush in 1951, with Max Faulkner taking victory.