Defending Open champion Xander Schauffele says he can’t wait to get back to Royal Portrush as it will be the first time he has replayed one of the courses in the rotation.
The 30-year-old produced a stunning final round performance at Royal Troon on Sunday to lift the Claret Jug, beating Billy Horschel and Justin Rose by two shots to claim his second Major title.
Schauffele will be looking to defend his title on the Dunluce Links in a year’s time, the second time he will have played on the north coast after finishing tied-41st at the 2019 Open.
“I’ve finally played all the courses in the rotation, to finally loop back to one I’ve played, I think it will be a pretty cool feeling,” said the World No.2.
“It’s a real small town feel, it’s awesome. The fans really embrace the tournament and make it feel like a Major championship.”
Scottish star Robert MacIntyre has also lauded next year’s host venue as ‘one of the best courses on the planet’ and admits it has a special place in his heart as it was where he made his Major debut five years ago.
The two-time PGA Tour winner and European Ryder Cup star would not only make his first appearance there but would go on to secure a top-ten finish, ending in a tie for sixth, and he is eager to get back to Northern Ireland.
“I think Portrush is such a good test of golf, there’s so many different ways to play the golf course. For me, it’s one of the best courses on the planet,” praised MacIntyre, the Scottish Open champion.
“The roars that were heard that week, that was the first real taste for me to hear the roars. The Open Championship is just so historic. Being from Scotland, the home of golf, it just adds that bit of extra spice to it.”