The Open: stage is set for Northern Ireland's biggest-ever sporting spectacle

The stage is set – for one of the biggest spectacles in Northern Ireland’s sporting history.

This morning Padraig Harrington will officially hit the first tee shot as the Open at Royal Portrush finally swings into action.

The two-time champion has been granted the distinct honour from the famous first hole.

Already, tens of thousands of golfing fans from all over the world have been descending on the Co Antrim seaside town – with practice sessions held over the last couple of days.

Hotels, guest houses and B and Bs throughout the north coast and beyond have been booked out for months in advance.

The 153rd Open Championship is expected to attract an estimated 278,000 spectators.

This not only breaks the record for the largest attendance at an Open held outside St Andrews but also make it the biggest ever seen for a sports event in Northern Ireland.

A 156-strong field also includes nine amateur golfers.

There are also 16 former Open champions taking part.

These include Rory McIlroy who won the Claret Jug in 2014 along with other home favourite Darren Clarke (2011).

A total of 31 countries are represented including one player each from Czech Republic and Estonia for the first time. Both of these countries are represented by amateurs, Filip Jakubcik and Richard Teder, respectively.

Each of the three stagings of The Open over Royal Portrush have featured a player in the field who have had one of the holes on the course named after them.

Darren Clarke’s is the new name of the 9th hole (previously called Tavern) with Clarke playing in The Open here in 2019 and 2025.

Fred Daly’s is the 4th hole and is named after the Open Champion in 1947 who was born in Portrush and came tied-fourth in 1951. T

he 4th was his favourite hole on the course and is ranked as the hardest hole on the course. PG Stevenson’s is the name of the 11th hole and is named after the former club pro at Royal Portrush who served from 1922 to 1977. Stevenson (“Stevie”) also played in The Open in 1951 missing the cut after rounds of 81 and 79.

When he retired in January 1977, Stevenson was succeeded by his son Dai Stevenson who was club pro until 1999. Gary Stevenson was the son of Dai and worked as assistant to his father and is now a caddie at the club.

Over the next four days, McIlroy and co will compete for one of the most cherished prizes in world golf.

For the winner there is also the small matter of a cheque for an estimated £2.3m.