• Golf

Portrush emerges as unlikely PGA Championship candidate

ESPN staff
November 15, 2013
Portrush native Graeme McDowell would be a big draw for the tournament © Getty Images
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Northern Ireland's Royal Portrush has emerged as a surprise candidate to host the US PGA Championship if plans to stage the tournament overseas are approved.

A global PGA Championship?

The Wanamaker Trophy could be headed on a worldwide tour © Getty Images
  • Taking golf's fourth major, the PGA Championship, around the world is the best way to grow the game on a global level, writes ESPN's Alex Perry.
  • Click here to find out why

The tournament will remain in the US until at least 2019, but the PGA of America has commissioned a committee to look into the possibility of holding the final major of the season outside the United States.

Although rumours persist that Asia is a preferred destination PGA president Ted Bishop has confirmed his interest in taking the tournament to Portrush, which hosted its one and only Open Championship in 1951.

"Royal Portrush would be a great first international major," Bishop told the Golf Channel's 'Morning Drive' programme.

"I think given the powerful effect that Irish golfers have on the professional game today, that might be a good place to start."

Portrush native Graeme McDowell admitted it was an exciting development, saying: "I couldn't believe it and read it three times. I had heard the US PGA was looking at going global, which is a very positive step forward, but I was expecting Asia, not the north coast of Ireland."

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