Rory McIlroy was given a hero’s welcome at Royal Portrush during The Open Championship, where he stayed at a brand new five-star hotel overlooking the famous course
Rory McIlroy and his family enjoyed the luxury of a five-star hotel during this year’s Open Championship at Royal Portrush. The golfing superstar, originally from Holywood just outside Belfast, opted to stay near the course rather than commute from home, which is roughly an hour away from the renowned Dunluce Links.
McIlroy, the recipient of a career grand slam in April of this year, chose the Dunluce Lodge for its proximity to the action. Perched with views over the fourth fairway of Portrush, the Lodge opened its doors in time for the 153rd Open Championship – which was won by Scottie Scheffler.
The lavish establishment, owned by a US investment group, boasts 35 suites, a cutting-edge spa, and even its own nine-hole putting green among other top-class facilities, reports Belfast Live.
Room rates at the retreat range from £350 to £955 per night, varying with room selection and demand. The hotel also offers an exclusive private lodge with eight suites, believed to be where McIlroy and his family resided as he made an emotional return to his home.
Constructed at a cost exceeding £14million, Dunluce Lodge is set to benefit from the recent boom in golf tourism spurred by the Open Championship.
The Lodge shared a moment on social media, posting a picture of McIlroy with their staff that said: “What an unforgettable week. It was an incredible honour to host Rory McIlroy and his family at Dunluce Lodge during The Open.”
They added: “Welcoming one of golf’s all-time greats, just steps from Royal Portrush Golf Club was truly special for our entire team. Thank you, Rory, for choosing to stay with us. We hope it felt like home.”
McIlroy was greeted with rapturous applause at Royal Portrush as he became the centre of attention, with massive crowds trailing him throughout the tournament.
The Holywood-born star looked set to make a run for the Claret Jug once more, but despite his best efforts, he couldn’t quite catch up to Scottie Scheffler, who led the major championship from the outset.
Reflecting on the event, McIlroy, who finished tied for seventh, said: “It’s been an awesome week. I’ve gotten everything I wanted out of this week apart from a Claret Jug, and that’s just because one person was just a little bit better than the rest of us.
“It’s been an amazing week. I feel so thankful and just so lucky that I get to do this, I get to do this in front of this crowd. Hopefully I’ll have one or two Opens left here, if the RandA decide to keep coming back, probably one while I’m still competitive and another one while I’m more grey than I already am.
“It’s just been incredible to come back here and to play and at least feel like I had a chance today going out there. Just an awesome week.”
