Regardless of who wins on Sunday the playing of the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush this week will provide a huge boost for Irish golf.
This after earlier huge boosts this century thus far.
There are 156 players in the Open field and four of them are Irish winners of previous Majors over the last quarter of a century.
They are Rory McIIroy, Shane Lowry, Darren Clarke and Padraig Harrington.
All four have their names on the Claret Jug with Harrington enjoying a double etching.
The odd man out this week is 2010 U.S. Open winner Graeme McDowell. McDowell has tumbled down the world rankings in recent years and now plays with LIV golf.
He was not invited to play in his hometown and was unable to qualify. His absence, to say the least, will be glaring.
An expected 280,000 golf fans will take to the Portrush Dunluce Links over the week of practice and play. This will be a huge boost for the economy, locally, in the rest of Northern Ireland, and indeed up and down the entire island.
"The lasting effects of having the Open at Royal Portrush are many," says Connecticut-based John Murray, a Golf Travel Specialist with the golf travel company North & West Links.
"There will be continued and increased demand for the course and the area. To host the Open, the local authorities and indeed private companies have had to improve access, facilities and services. This benefit is ongoing.
"And the exposure is not just for golf but, all aspects of travel and tourism in Ireland while the financial benefits, both short term and long term, are obvious. there is also the incredible sense of pride that the entire Irish Diaspora will feel with the world watching us during and well after the event."
The business of luring golfers to Ireland from the U.S. and elsewhere around the world is indeed the week's one sure winner before the first ball is driven in competitive play.
And if the eventual winner is Irish, well, the sky's the limit.
Tourism Ireland is certainly looking skywards.
After Rory McIlroy's extraordinary win in the Masters back in April Tourism Ireland, which markets the entire island to potential North American visitors, was looking both up and ahead.
It said in a statement at the time: "Tourism Ireland proudly celebrates Rory McIlroy’s stunning victory at the 2025 Masters, securing his career Grand Slam and solidifying his place as one of the greatest golfers of all time. This extraordinary achievement is a milestone not only for McIlroy, but for Irish golf as a whole, reinforcing Ireland’s reputation as the Home of Champions.
"McIlroy’s victory at Augusta National marks a remarkable chapter in his illustrious career and brings yet another major title to his name. As the first golfer from Northern Ireland to secure the coveted Masters Green Jacket, McIlroy’s triumph is a testament to the world-class golfing talent that Ireland continues to nurture. This achievement is a proud moment for Irish golf fans everywhere, showcasing the talent that emerges from the Emerald Isle and the rich golfing heritage that has produced so many global champions.
"As McIlroy’s remarkable form continues, all eyes will turn to The Open Championship at Royal Portrush in July 2025. This prestigious major, held on one of the most iconic and challenging courses in the world, offers McIlroy the perfect stage to further cement his legacy. The picturesque landscapes of Northern Ireland, home to some of the world’s most renowned golf courses, will once again be in the spotlight as McIlroy looks to add to his collection of major victories."
Well, July has arrived and all eyes are indeed turning to the golfing sward on Antrim's north coast.
