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Golf fever in the north coast ahead of Open championship

Mark Simpson
BBC News NI community correspondent
BBC A young girl wears a yellow Hi-Viz vest. Underneath she wears a blue jumper and yellow polo shirt. Behind her is the back of a large navy stand. There is a green grass putting green over her right shoulder. BBC
Local pupil Martina was given a tour of Royal Portrush on Wednesday

The finishing touches are being made in Portrush as the town prepares to welcome Rory McIlroy and the golfing world for The Open championship.

The Open is being held from 17-20 July with four official practice days beforehand and tickets for all eight days are sold out as 'Open fever' grips the north coast.

One of the main car parks in the seaside town has already closed and is being turned into a TV compound for international broadcasters.

However, the closure of the East Strand carpark, which is popular with beach walkers and sea swimmers, has led to complaints. There are also parking restrictions on some roads.

Three golf club covers sit upright on a wooden table. The design of the covers is a cartoon picture of Royal Portrush golf course. The blue sky is at the top of the head and green grass of the course in the middle. Many unidentifiable spectators watch two golfers and their two caddies walk up a fairway.
Open merchandise at the golf club's pro shop

Members of Royal Portrush golf club will also no longer be allowed to play the course after Sunday, to protect the fairways and greens.

Around 270,000 spectators are expected during the eight days of practice and play next month.

The fact that the East Strand carpark has closed already, three weeks before the tournament, has caused some annoyance.

Jonny McCarron from Causeway Coast and Glens Council told BBC News NI: "The council totally understands the frustration there.

"But the carpark is being used as a key cog in the machinery of putting on this Open championship."

A man wears a black wax jacket with a black and white chequered shirt. Behind him the back of a large navy stand. There is a green tractor over his left shoulder. There is a green grass putting green over his right shoulder.
Jonny McCarron from Causeway Coast and Glens Council

"Through the media and through this wonderful event, there will be pictures of this part of the world shown in hundreds of millions of homes around the world," he added.

Pupils from Portrush Primary School were given a tour of the first tee, the 18th green grandstand and practice facilities on Wednesday.

One of them, Martina, 10, said: "The grandstand surprised me, I didn't think it would be that big."

A man with short grey hair wears a blue wet top with a white zip. Behind him blue fencing surrounding a building which say 'The R&A Pavilion' on it. He stands on a patch of green grass.
Head pro at Royal Portrush Gary McNeill

Gary McNeill, head professional at Royal Portrush, showed the pupils around but public access will soon end.

He said: "From Monday, the course is essentially shut but it's available for any competitors who want to play before the official practice starts.

"Everything is ready. It's all in great shape."

Getty Images A large sign has the number '1' on it in red font. It's sits on a green grass tee box. Beside the tee box is a small cream coloured building. The building has a white clock on top of it.Getty Images
The Open Championship will begin on 17 July

The world's top golfers will arrive next month and those who played at The Open in Portrush in 2019 will not see many changes, on or off the course.

There are some tweaks to tees and fairways, and more corporate hospitality boxes but no major alterations.

Tourism NI has estimated that golf tourism is worth almost £70m to the economy annually.

Parking restrictions to hit residents

Map showing areas

New temporary parking restrictions will also hit those who live or own a businesses on some streets during The Open.

In areas subject to a No Waiting At Any Time Order people will not be able to park on that public road.

Those who live in the area will be able to drive along the road to access their property and park on their driveway, but the regulation does not permit stopping on the road at any time.

Alternative local parking locations will be provided in Portrush for displaced residents and businesses the council has said.

A map, showing the affected roads, is on the council website.

Extra buses and trains

Getty Images Rory McIlroy wears a white cap and grey polo shirt. He wears a white glove in his left hand. He looks like he has just finished a swing and is holding a driver in his hands. He is looking up into the air like he is following the ball. There is blurred greenery behind him. Getty Images
Rory McIlroy playing in the Travellers Championship, his last tournament before he heads to Portrush

Extra buses and trains are being organised by Translink as organisers of the tournament, the Royal & Ancient (R&A), have urged spectators to use public transport if possible.

Park and ride facilities will also be available.

Ireland's Shane Lowry won The Open at Portrush in 2019 amid raucous scenes of celebration on the 18th green.

Rory McIlroy's recent victory in the Masters means he will be the focus of attention when the four-day tournament begins on 17 July.