THE winner of this month's Open at Royal Portrush will have his name permanently immortalised on more than just the Claret Jug . . .
For whether it's Rory or Tiger, maybe Brooks or Justin, who prevails on Sunday July 21, he'll have a suite named in his honour at the new-look Golf Links Hotel.
Part of the famous Kellys Complex, the hotel has reopened following a spectacular £2.5m extension which has seen all 23 bedrooms refurbished to luxury class and which now include names relating to the historic course.
And one of those suites, which boasts a glass-fronted panoramic view of the neighbouring Royal Portrush course, will be named in honour of the winner.
The Golf Links Hotel upgrade forms part of Kellys 50th anniversary year plans to improve, update and fully refurbish the entire hotel, complementing the recent £400,000 investment into the new bar and lounge, The Stubborn Stag and the Pizza Library, an Italian-themed 80-seater family restaurant.
The hotel (www.golflinksportrush.com) is bracing itself for a huge surge in footfall and has added a specially erected marquee ‘golf zone’ with live streaming of the competition, pop-up Dunvegan Bar and additional staff to serve food and drink around the clock to accommodate golfers, spectators and media.
Hotel general manager Sam Kennedy said: “We're thrilled to have completed our seven-month build project ahead of The Open, which saw us close our rooms in November to allow for the extensive work to take place. The finished results are absolutely stunning."
