The R&A says it is “getting pretty close” to holding The Open Championship at Portmarnock Golf Club in Dublin for the first time. In comments reported by BBC Sport and Yahoo Sports, R&A chief executive Mark Darbon indicates that discussions are nearing a conclusion and that the organisation is close to reaching the necessary arrangements to bring the event outside the UK. Both sources frame the development as a step toward expanding The Open’s usual UK locations, with Portmarnock identified as the venue. The reports do not set out specific dates, a timeline for confirmation, or details of any remaining requirements. They also do not include reactions from the club or further information about what stage the negotiations have reached beyond Darbon’s “pretty close” remark. Overall, the sources agree that the R&A is actively working toward staging The Open at Portmarnock, Dublin, and that progress is close to being finalised.