Graeme McDowell feels Portrush has earned the right to host The Open soon, with suggestions that the major could return to the Antrim course within the next decade. 

The former US Open champion has hailed his home course's hosting of the tournament, which was won by Offaly's Shane Lowry yesterday.

McDowell says feedback from the R&A has been positive and he hopes the course won't have to wait another 68-years to see the Claret Jug return.

"I've heard the whispers that we could be back here as soon as five years from now.

"The financial commitment Portrush have made to this, for it to get the recognition and get back here soon, and keep that Portrush train rolling, it would be huge.

"If we have to wait another 10 years, the icing might rub off between now and then and people might forget a little bit.

"But hopefully we can get back soon, and it will be very, very special. The players just love the golf course, they feel like it's the best links course they've ever seen."

Darren Clarke, who hit the first tee shot on Thursday morning agrees that there's a case for Portrush to become a regular venue for The Open.

"I think it's been wonderful and I think everybody has really enjoyed it, the golf course has been a good, fair, stern test, albeit a little softer and with not as much wind as they would have liked.

"All of the caddies and all of the players have enjoyed it. The crowds you have seen have thoroughly enjoyed it and the R&A will be very pleased. This is the Open Championship and this is the biggest and best tournament in the world.

"Everybody in the town has been really looking forward to this for a very long time and the whole place has been buzzing. All the local people have really enjoyed the excitement of having an Open Championship here.

"Hitting the opening tee shot was huge and certainly a moment I will cherish forever. I was very nervous and quite emotional, but it was a lovely way to start the week."