This year's Irish Open is expected to be held at Royal Portrush for the first time since 1936, boosting the chances of the Northern Irish links course hosting a British Open in the near future.
The European Tour has called a news conference for Friday at Royal Portrush, when the coastal venue is expected to replace Killarney as the host of the Irish Open from June 28 to July 1.
The recent grand-slam victories of Northern Irishmen Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell have increased the clamor for the British Open to return to Royal Portrush, which hosted the major in 1951.
McDowell and Clarke both have homes in Portrush, with the latter crediting his regular practice rounds there as the key factor behind his three-shot win at the British Open in July.
''Royal Portrush will be awesome for the Irish Open this year... it's as good a test as we play anywhere!'' Clarke said on Twitter.
Peter Dawson, chief executive of British Open organizer Royal and Ancient, pledged to look into the issue after Clarke's major win.
