Campbell: ‘Excitement Off The Charts’ For Rory

Royal Portrush’s general manager, Danny Campbell, is convinced that when the new Masters champion Rory McIlroy steps onto the course for The 153rd Open later this summer, enthusiasm “will be ‘off the charts.’”

Having sealed his place as only the sixth golfer ever to complete the career grand slam with a dramatic play-off hole victory over England’s Justin Rose on Sunday, McIlroy has already set his sights on further major triumphs. He’ll head back to the United States for the USPGA at Quail Hollow and the U.S. Open at Oakmont before returning to the Dunluce Links in July, determined to resolve unfinished business there.

The Holywood native suffered a calamitous opening round six years ago when The Open made its long-awaited return to Northern Ireland after nearly seven decades. He watched on as close friend Shane Lowry hoisted the Claret Jug, but now, following his Masters victory, many believe a new chapter of dominance could be beginning for the 35-year-old.

Danny Campbell told BBC NI’s Talkback host Mark Carruthers on Monday: “If this morning is anything to go by there’s no doubt the excitement levels have increased: they’ll be off the charts in July. There’s a real buzz about the place and it will be special to introduce Rory McIlroy as ‘Masters champion.’ There’s no question that Sunday night has added to the level of excitement with all the drama that took place. People are always focused on Rory anyway so we’re all excited to see how that develops in July.”

Dr Ian Kerr, Chairman of the Open Championship Committee, shares that optimism. He told Mark Carruthers: “Interest in July has really gone up a notch. I was bold or stupid enough earlier this year to predict that Rory would be our winner in July and I still believe that. This summer will be bigger than 2019 and we could end up with another Irish winner which would really be the icing on the cake.”