Irish Open could return to Dublin for first time in over two decades

Is the European Tour returning to the capital?

The Irish Independent have reported that the North Dublin course is a 'front runner' and on a DP World Tour shortlist.

However, it is competing against the likes of Druids Glen - which played host four times during the 1990s - and County Sligo.

All three courses have gone through redevelopments in recent years, with architect Martin Ebert overseeing The Island and County Sligo.

If successful, it will be the first time in 23 years that the Irish Open has taken place in Dublin - after Portmarnock in 2003 - and the first time for The Island.

The Island is ranked as the seventh-best golf course in Ireland by Top 100 Golf Courses and 16th by Golf Digest.

Dublin could be a top golf destination

Portmarnock is bidding to host both The Open Championship and Women's Open in the near future, and with The Island also on the county's north coast, an Irish Open could serve as a trial run for a large golf event in the area.

Recently, Portmarnock received backing for its bid to host a major championship.

A statement from the Irish government said:

"The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media will continue to engage with Portmarnock Golf Club and the R&A to further explore the costs of hosting and to prepare a full business case for the events, in line with the department’s recently published major international sports events policy.

"The department assesses each request for support to a major event on its own merits. In particular, it is imperative to ensure that economic, participation and sports benefits are derived from any state investment."