Padraig Harrington: Portrush Open will be 'one of the greatest'

Padraig Harrington expects "one of the greatest Opens ever" when Royal Portrush hosts the major for the first time since 1951.

The two-time Open champion, from Dublin, said the atmosphere would be "phenomenal" on the County Antrim links, where the tournament will be played in 2019 at the earliest.

Harrington added the Dunluce links is a test which "can give you something" unlike some of the other Open Championship courses and he is hoping that the Royal & Ancient don't opt to make too many changes to a "spectacular layout".

The Dubliner was speaking ahead of the Irish Open at Fota Island.