Deluxe Tours and Transfers Ultimate Guide to The Open 2025
What you need to know leaving from Derry
The Open Championship
Get ready for an extraordinary experience at The Open 2025, hosted at the historic Royal Portrush Golf Club. Whether you’re a seasoned attendee or a first-time visitor, our guide will help you navigate travel, accommodation, event schedules, and insider tips to make your trip seamless and unforgettable.
Event Details
- Dates: July 13–20, 2025
- Venue: Royal Portrush Golf Club, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
- Format: 72-hole stroke play (cut after 36 holes)
The History of Royal Portrush
Founded in 1888, Royal Portrush Golf Club is one of the most prestigious courses in the world. After hosting The Open in 1951, it took 68 years for the championship to return in 2019, making history once again. The 2019 tournament, won by Shane Lowry, was a defining moment for both Northern Ireland and the golfing world. The return in 2025 solidifies Royal Portrush’s place among the sport’s most iconic venues.
The Championship Course: The Dunluce Links
Royal Portrush features two courses: The Valley Course and The Dunluce Links, the latter being the championship course.
Course Highlights:
- Ranking: No. 12 in the world (Golf Magazine)
- Length: 7,317 yards
- Architects: Old Tom Morris & Harry Colt
- Famous Hole: Calamity Corner (Par 3, 16th hole) – notorious for its challenging tee shot and dramatic elevation drop.
- Challenges: Deep bunkers, unpredictable winds from the North Atlantic, undulating fairways, and fast greens make it one of the toughest courses on The Open rota.
Tournament Format
- Monday-Wednesday (July 14-16): Practice Rounds – A great chance to watch all players before the tournament cut.
- Thursday-Friday (July 17-18): First two rounds – 156 players compete; only top 70 and ties advance.
- Saturday-Sunday (July 19-20): Final rounds – Leaders tee off last.
- If a tie occurs: A 3-hole aggregate playoff, followed by sudden death if necessary.
Daily Schedule & Gate Opening Times
| Date | Gate Opens | Play Begins | First P&R Service | Last P&R Service |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday, July 13 | 9:00 AM | All-day practice | 8:00 AM | 8:00 PM |
| Monday, July 14 | 7:00 AM | All-day practice | 6:45 AM | 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday, July 15 | 7:00 AM | All-day practice | 6:45 AM | 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday, July 16 | 7:00 AM | All-day practice | 6:45 AM | 8:00 PM |
| Thursday, July 17 | 6:00 AM | 6:35 AM – 8:30 PM | 5:45 AM | 10:00 PM |
| Friday, July 18 | 6:00 AM | 6:35 AM – 8:30 PM | 5:45 AM | 10:00 PM |
| Saturday, July 19 | 7:00 AM | 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM | 6:45 AM | 9:00 PM |
| Sunday, July 20 | 7:00 AM | 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM | 6:45 AM | 9:00 PM |
Getting to Royal Portrush
For International Visitors:
- Dublin Airport (DUB) – 3-hour drive, best for long-haul flights.
- Belfast International Airport (BFS) – 45 minutes away.
- George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) – 60 minutes away.
- City of Derry Airport (LDY) – 40 minutes away, ideal for regional flights.
From the UK:
- Direct flights available from London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh to Belfast or Dublin.
- Ferry options:
- Liverpool to Belfast (Stena Line)
- Cairnryan to Belfast/Larne (Stena Line, P&O Ferries)
By Train:
- Belfast to Portrush – Train from Belfast Lanyon Place or Great Victoria Street to Coleraine, then a connecting service to Portrush (~2 hours total).
- Derry to Portrush – Train from Derry Train station to Coleraine, then a connecting service to Portrush (approx 1 hour 30 mins)
Parking & Transportation
- Park & Ride: Available with shuttle services to the venue.
- Public Transport: Enhanced shuttle buses will run from major hubs like Belfast and Coleraine and Derry city.
- Accessible Parking: Spectators with Blue Badges will have designated parking areas near shuttle stops.
For detailed parking information, visit: The Open Parking Guide
On-Site Amenities & Spectator Experience
- Grandstands – Located at key holes, including the 1st tee and 18th green.
- Practice Ground Seating – Watch players warm up before heading out.
- Spectator Village:
- Food & beverage vendors
- Kids’ play area
- Giant TV screens to catch all the action
- The Open Swing-zone – Free 15-minute golf lessons from PGA pros.
- Leader-boards & Live Updates: Stay informed with electronic boards and large video screens around the course.
Additional Tips for an Unforgettable Experience
- Dress Appropriately: The North Atlantic weather can change quickly. Bring layers, waterproof gear, and comfortable shoes.
- Bring Binoculars: A great way to track shots from a distance.
- Plan Your Viewing Spots: Arrive early to get the best spots at Calamity Corner (16th) or the final stretch on the 18th.
- Arrive Early on Sunday: The final round tends to be the busiest – arriving early ensures a great view.
- Book Accommodation in Advance: Hotels and rentals in Portrush and nearby towns fill up fast.
Experience Golf’s Greatest Stage with Deluxe Tours and Transfers
The Open Championship is unlike any other golf event, and Royal Portrush provides a breath-taking setting for this historic competition. Whether you’re attending for the first time or returning for another unforgettable Open, Deluxe Tours and Transfers is here to make your trip seamless and memorable.
From Luxury Transport to exclusive VIP golf experiences, we ensure that your journey to The Open 2025 is as spectacular as the championship itself. Don’t miss out – start planning your golf adventure today!
For more details, visit Deluxe Tours and Transfers and secure your experience for The Open 2025.
