Staging the 2012 Irish Open was a shock to the collective system, bringing as it did more than 100,000 spectators over four rain-soaked days in June. The 2019 Open arriving in town is seismic and so far the good people of Portrush are once again rising to the occasion, as two-time Open champion Pádraig Harrington noted this week. “Bringing the Irish Open here in 2012 showed there was no excuse for not having an event here,” said Ireland’s triple major champion. “Please don’t try to eat him,” Morelli’s implored potential customers on its Twitter page before offering free ice cream if Molinari defends his title at Portrush. It’s certainly different and just another instance of this small town rolling up its sleeves, putting on its best front, and showcasing itself to the world.

Source: Irish Examiner July 16, 2019 23:03 UTC