Golf is open to all
The Open
The Open Legacy Fund set to make a lasting difference in Portrush
28 May 25
3 mins
Local community groups and projects in Portrush are set to benefit from The Open Legacy Fund, an initiative being run by The R&A in partnership with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and other key stakeholders in the community.
The Open Legacy Fund supports the local communities in which Championship is held each year so that a positive and lasting legacy is generated from the staging of a major sporting event. This year’s fund was launched on Wednesday at a local community engagement session held at Portrush Town Hall and will be delivered alongside a Community Reuse Programme and Player Donation Programmes which will see materials used in the staging and delivery of the Championship and items donated by the players gifted into the community for future use. Projects or local initiatives which focus on sustainability, including those embracing low carbon technologies, moving toward a circular economy, promoting and protecting nature, or enhancing social value, are eligible to apply for grant awards ranging from £1,000-£20,000. Applications can be submitted here from 28 May until 27 July 2025.
Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Executive Director - Championships at The R&A
“We look forward to working with the local authority to identify local projects and initiatives that will provide environmental and social value to the town of Portrush and its residents in the years to come.”
Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Executive Director – Championships at The R&A, said: “We are extremely grateful for the support that the local community of Portrush has provided to us in our planning for The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush and the legacy fund is our way of providing a positive and lasting benefit to local people from the staging of the Championship this year.
“We look forward to working with the local authority to identify local projects and initiatives that will provide environmental and social value to the town of Portrush and its residents in the years to come.”
A panel of representatives from The 153rd Open Legacy Working Group – including The R&A, Causeway Coast and Glens, Tourism Northern Ireland and Royal Portrush Golf Club – will review eligible applications based on set criteria with the aim of supporting projects with the greatest impact.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Ciarán McQuillan added: “We are delighted to partner with The R&A to offer The Open Legacy Fund, which will help support local communities, providing a very positive and legacy for residents with community projects, after we host this world class golfing event.
“Thank you to The R&A for investing in this way and Council looks forward being part of that panel that reviews applications received.”
An information sheet about the Fund can be downloaded HERE.
Organisations seeking more information about the Fund or wishing to review the Terms & Conditions should contact Greenlinks@RandA.org