by By Phil Campbell
Ernie Els wants the Open to return to Muirfield as quickly as possible and asked the R&A to book the famous course for 2028.
Muirfield is one of the legendary venues of the Open and has organized Golf’s original Major major 16 times. Only behind St. Andrews on the current Rota of 10 courses to which the event goes.
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Since 2013, however, it has not been to be seen, which is partly due to a number between R&A and the honorable company of Edinburgh Golfers to which the course belongs.
Muirfield was briefly excluded from the hosts of the Open in 2016 after the two third majorities that were necessary for the approval of members of female votes were not secured, even though this was returned when the application was finally passed a year later.
However, the R&A should not be willing to keep the event in Scotland in successive years, and the St. Andrews, which have been locked up in hosting every five years, which leaves less space for the four other Scottish courses.
In addition, the Scottish Open, which traditionally takes place in the week before the open, landed in the Renaissance Club alongside Muirfield.
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This brings logistical challenges and questions about whether the region can organize two major events in two weeks.
“Yes, Muirfield should be a host [The Open] As soon as possible, ”said Els and spoke at the start of his new golf club Els Club Vilamoura.
“I am not sure why it didn’t go back there. It was more than 10 years ago. Usually there is a 10-year gap between the openings at a specific course.
“In my opinion, Muirfield is up there, it is in my top three [courses]. “”
Fortune could help Muirfield rise in 2028. The R&A still have to announce their plans, but they are to be disturbed by the Olympic Games in Los Angeles, which are planned two weeks earlier than usual in mid -July.
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This caused a massive headache for the open, which must change the usual date in mid -July so that players can compete in both cases.
It was rumored that the Open 2028 return to Royal St. George’s in Kent, but since August worries less daylight, it is probably unimaginable with 16 hours.
In addition to Muirfield, the two -time US Open Champion Els also threw his support behind courses such as Turnberry and Royal Lytham & St. Annes -where he won his second Claret -but admitted that changes to these three courses would be necessary.
He continued: “Many of these courses now need a little length. These young people meet it so far. I think that’s the problem. So let’s wait and see.”
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Els played a nine hole exhibition to open the Els Club Vilamoura in addition to the Scottish legend Colin Montgomerie and 2001 Open Champion David Duval.
The Algarve Course is an 18-hole golf course from the championship standard, which contains a luxury club house and a signature disposal, such as the 261 bar and was built on the redesigned Victoria course in which the Portugal Masters took place from 2007 to 2022.
The new PGA Champions Tour event, the Portuguese invitation, will organize after signing a five-year contract.
The first edition of the event is to take place between July 31 and August 2, 2026.
Els said: “Golf is currently in a pretty sweet spot and [creating this course] Was a really nice undertaking. We want the conditions to be absolutely perfect and that people have a great experience and good food. “
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Montgomerie added: “The golf course is excellent and the clubhouse is fantastic. It is not only a course for the present, it is also a course for the future.”
PGA Tour Champions announces the Portuguese invitation, which is to take place in the Els Club Vilamoura on the course designed by Ernie Els. PGA Tour Champions, Arrow Global Group, Turismo de Portugal and Turismo de Algarve will offer a five -year partnership and debut the week of debut And is contained a field of 78 players. Visit more information https://www.portugalinvitational.com/
