British Open returns to Royal Portrush after more than a half-century wait

For the first time in more than 60 years, the British Open is headed across the Irish Sea.

The R&A announced Monday that golf's oldest championship would return to Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland for the first time since Max Faulkner won in 1951. R&A chief executive Peter Dawson called it the "worst-kept secret." What remains unknown is the year.

Dawson said the course would need some enhancements to host the Open, which would need approval by the golf club's members. The next available date for the Open is 2019, though it's possible that it could be a year or two after that before Portrush is ready.

Three players for Northern Ireland have won majors since 2010 — Graeme McDowell, Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke.