Preparations Underway for The Open 2025: Council Sets Focus Beyond the Ropes

Preparations for The Open 2025 are gaining momentum as council officials plan to ensure the prestigious event has a lasting impact on the local community.

Director of Leisure and Development Pat Mulvenna provided a verbal update on the council's progress at last night's Leisure and Development Committee, highlighting a comprehensive work program designed to maximise the championship's benefits.

The council focuses on activities "outside the ropes," collaborating with key stakeholders to boost local business engagement, town branding, and community animation. Workstreams on contingency planning, traffic, and transport are already underway, and communications and public relations initiatives are still to come.

Addressing the committee, Alderman Callan stressed the importance of ensuring that The Open’s impact stretches beyond Portrush to benefit the wider borough. He called for a detailed report to inform the community about upcoming plans, including how council officers intend to animate Portrush and ensure the borough enjoys the tournament’s economic and social gains.

Council officials, including Pat Mulvenna, have already begun working with multi-agency groups to coordinate the event. The goal is to create a welcoming atmosphere that showcases the area’s potential to host major events. Officials will soon present a report outlining more details on the 2025 plans, and updates are expected to become a regular feature as the tournament draws closer.

The Council's approach to The Open also aims to build on the lessons of previous events, emphasising the development of a long-lasting legacy.