TROON, Scotland
With the 152nd British Open at Royal Troon in the books, Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland is officially on the clocks for next year’s British Open, July 14-20.
Shane Lowry won the Claret Jug there in 2019 and just six years Portrush will make a swift and triumphant return to hosting duties. The name Wilma Erskine is synonymous with the club and efforts to bring the Open back to the Emerald Isle. In 1984, Erskine, who retired after the 2019 Open, became the first female secretary at a “Royal” club. She’s been a leading promoter of golf on Ireland’s north coast and the heartbeat of Portrush ever since. Growing up a farmer’s daughter from nearby Ballymoney, Erskine studied in Edinburgh and Bristol with an eye toward a career in the hotel and catering business. Despite being a non-golfer she was able to land jobs at two golf clubs before hearing of the position at Portrush. Her mother encouraged her to apply.
In 2006, the club decided to make a play for the Open Championship, which had been staged outside of England or Scotland just once before—at Portrush in 1951. “We all kind of said this is a little farfetched, but let’s go for it,” she said before the 2019 Open. The countdown begins. One year until The Open returns to Royal Portrush. A new mural celebrating Shane Lowry’s iconic win has been unveiled.
A successful staging of the 2012 Irish Open impressed the R&A but there was still the matter of accommodating all the demands of a modern Open. Erskine remembers a dreary day when then-R&A chief executive Peter Dawson and course architect Martin Ebert walked the course and conceived the idea of changing the routing: Using land that was part of the adjoining Valley course, two new holes were created as the 7th and 8th of the Dunluce, replacing the original 17 and 18.
There were plenty of doubters and no shortage of obstacles, but Erskine and the club succeeded in landing the Open. “During the process, we added a new word to our vocabulary at the R&A and that is being ‘Wilma’ed,’” said Dawson. “That means being told to sit up, pay attention, and do what you’re told. I was ‘Wilma’ed’ on several occasions, and I know I deserved it.”
Erskine’s retirement didn’t last long and in the following Q&A she details what she’s up to these days and what to expect when the Open returns to Portrush.
Read the full interview below:
Q&A with Wilma Erskine:
GWK: I think walking on to the 18th green at the trophy presentation and seeing the greenkeeping staff lined up which made me so proud of the achievement from Team Portrush…..not forgetting seeing Darren Clarke first to tee off and Shane Lowry make the final putt….an Irish affair!!
GWK: I think for years, with the troubles in the country and we have moved forward so much, it was a wonderful occasion to showcase the country with the great scenery and friendly people who were so proud to be from Northern Ireland. Also, we are a nation of lovers of golf!
WE: Currently, we are in discussions with some organizations to hire the Dunluce Lodge for the week of the Open…it will be a very unique property for whoever takes it over. In addition, many of the investors will be in town for the event and will host a couple of parties for them to thank them for their support in the project.
WE: Rory, when playing as an amateur and representing Ireland was allowed to play the Dunluce Links. He was probably 16 and I explained that when you visit a club, always introduce yourself and after your game again thank the club…..it will stand you in good stead and you never know, you might become a professional and become famous!! Roll on the years and Rory was invited to be an honorary member of the club and has won many tournaments and calls the office a number of times and asking for me. When we get each other, he asks if it’s OK to play….I go, Rory, you are a member and I don’t think you need to call….yes, but you told me!!
WE: I do hope Rory will perform in the 2025 Open better than in 2019….the first hole is tough with out of bounds and when in front of your own people, nerve-wracking! I know he would love to win on his home soil and what a wonderful story that would be!
