Royal Portrush Golf Club Freedom of the Borough

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Royal Portrush Golf Club has received the Freedom of the Borough from Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

The civic honour is in recognition of its successful hosting of The 148th Open in 2019, golf’s original and most international championship.

A limited number of elected members and golf club representatives, along with the Deputy Lieutenant for County Londonderry Mrs Lorraine Young, attended the ceremony held today (Friday 21st May 2021) at Cloonavin in Coleraine in line with current health guidelines.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Alderman Mark Fielding, who presided over the proceedings, said: “Bestowing the Freedom of the Borough is a very special occasion for Council, reserved for those who make an exceptional contribution to our borough.

“It was a privilege to sign the Honorary Burgess Register and present the formal certificate as we acknowledge the success of The Open in 2019.

“This was a truly momentous occasion with Royal Portrush Golf Club taking its place on a global stage and confirming the Borough’s position as a world class destination for elite sporting events.

“Today allows us to celebrate this publically through our highest civic accolade.I offer my warmest congratulations to everyone who contributed to this and as we navigate the challenges of the pandemic, I offer my best wishes to the club for continued success in the future.”

Club Captain Dr Ian DV Kerr, added: “Royal Portrush Golf Club is honoured to receive the Freedom of the Borough following the successful hosting of the 2019 Open Championship. The return of the Open Championship was a huge moment for the Club and the wider community of Portrush, the Causeway Coast & Glens Borough and Northern Ireland. The Club recognises its role and works hard to be a proactive member of the community and to receive this honour from our local Council is very rewarding.”

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Alderman Mark Fielding signs the Honorary Burgess register as Dr Ian Kerr, Captain of Royal Portrush Golf Club and Council Chief Executive David Jackson look on during the Freedom of the Borough ceremony held in Cloonavin on Friday 21st May 2021.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Alderman Mark Fielding presents the Freedom of the Borough certificate to Dr Ian Kerr, Captain of Royal Portrush Golf Club following the ceremony held in Cloonavin on Friday 21st May 2021.

Dr Ian Kerr, Captain of Royal Portrush Golf Club, pictured with the Deputy Lieutenant for County Londonderry, Mrs Lorraine Young, and the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Alderman Mark Fielding following the Freedom of the Borough ceremony held in Cloonavin on Friday 21st May 2021.

Nicky Smith, Captain of the Ladies Branch and Dr Ian Kerr, Captain of Royal Portrush Golf Club, pictured with the Deputy Lieutenant for County Londonderry, Mrs Lorraine Young and the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Alderman Mark Fielding following the Freedom of the Borough ceremony held in Cloonavin on Friday 21st May 2021.

Robert Barry, immediate past Captain and Dr Ian Kerr, Captain of Royal Portrush Golf Club, pictured with the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Alderman Mark Fielding and Mayoress Mrs Phyliss Fielding, following the Freedom of the Borough ceremony held in Cloonavin on Friday 21st May 2021.

Sir Richard McLaughlin, President of Royal Portrush Golf Club and Dr Ian Kerr, Captain of Royal Portrush Golf Club, pictured with the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Alderman Mark Fielding and Mayoress, Mrs Phyliss Fielding, following the Freedom of the Borough ceremony held in Cloonavin on Friday 21st May 2021.

Kath Stewart-Moore, President of the Ladies branch and Dr Ian Kerr, Captain of Royal Portrush Golf Club, pictured with the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Alderman Mark Fielding and Mayoress Mrs Phyliss Fielding, following the Freedom of the Borough ceremony held in Cloonavin on Friday 21st May 2021.

David McMullan, Honorary Secretary of Royal Portrush Golf Club and Dr Ian Kerr, Captain of Royal Portrush Golf Club, pictured with the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Alderman Mark Fielding and Mayoress Mrs Phyliss Fielding, following the Freedom of the Borough ceremony held in Cloonavin on Friday 21st May 2021.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Alderman Mark Fielding pictured with Mayoress Mrs Phyliss Fielding and his party colleagues following the Freedom of the Borough ceremony held in Cloonavin on Friday 21st May 2021.

Royal Portrush Golf Club General Manager John Lawlor and Dr Ian Kerr, Captain of Royal Portrush Golf Club, pictured with the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Alderman Mark Fielding and Mayoress Mrs Phyliss Fielding, following the Freedom of the Borough ceremony held in Cloonavin on Friday 21st May 2021.

Pictured at Royal Portrush Golf which received the Freedom of the Borough from Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council on Friday 21st May 2021 are David McCorkell, Lord Lieutenant for County Antrim, Dr Ian Kerr, Captain, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Alderman Mark Fielding, Mayoress Mrs Phyliss Fielding and elected members of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, (Alderman Norman Hillis, Councillor Michelle Knight-McQuillan, Councillor John McAuley, Councillor Ashleen Schenning, and Alderman Sharon McKillop).