In the rolling coastal landscape of Northern Ireland, where time-honored tradition meets contemporary culture, a rare intersection of golf, whiskey, and style is taking shape. This week, as the oldest major in golf–The Open Championship–begins, the world’s eyes return to a hallowed ground of sport and spirit.
Golf’s Oldest Major
Founded in 1860, The Open Championship is the oldest golf tournament in the world. With roots tracing back over 170 years, The Open is steeped in legacy, originally contested at Prestwick Golf Club in Scotland. Today, it rotates among some of the United Kingdom’s most iconic courses. This year, returning to the storied links of Royal Portrush on the rugged Antrim coast of Northern Ireland.
Known for its swirling winds, dramatic dunes, and demanding layout, Royal Portrush is the only Open rota course located outside of Great Britain. First hosting The Open in 1951, and again in 2019, the course has become a beloved destination for golf purists and championship history alike. Designed by Harry Colt, Portrush’s Dunluce Links is both beautiful and brutal, requiring artistry and nerve, especially when the Irish weather has its say.
But golf isn’t the only thing aging to perfection in this corner of the world.
A Toast to Heritage: Bushmills Distillery
Just a few miles from Royal Portrush lies The Old Bushmills Distillery, founded in 1608 and officially licensed in 1784, making it the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world. Nestled in the village of Bushmills, it has produced world-class Irish whiskey for centuries. Its stone buildings and copper pot stills standing as enduring symbols of craftsmanship and patience.
The proximity between The Open and Bushmills is more than geographic. It’s a story of shared legacy. As golf fans tee off by day, many will toast to the moment by night with a dram of Bushmills.
Malbon Golf x Bushmills: A Collab Built on Storytelling
Enter Malbon Golf, the stylish, ever-creative brand redefining golf fashion for a new generation. For the second year in a row, Malbon is launching a capsule collection with Bushmills, timed perfectly with The Open. Blending old-world textures and motifs with modern silhouettes, the collaboration is a celebration of both legacy and evolution.
“It was a privilege to work with the R&A of St. Andrews,” Stephen Malbon, founder of Malbon Golf, said. “This collection launches during The Open, the world’s oldest golf tournament, set right in the backyard of the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery.”
With deep respect for history, Malbon approached the collaboration with intentionality, not to imitate, but to reimagine.
“We did it in a way that felt right to us–giving a nod to tradition while pushing things forward through modern fabrics, materials, and design.”
This year’s collection prominently features County Antrim plaid, a direct homage to the region that’s home to both Royal Portrush and Bushmills.
“From the rolling greens of Royal Portrush to the drams of Bushmills Irish Whiskey shared with friends after a round, the area has become synonymous with some of the best golf experiences and whiskey making traditions in the world.
“Ireland served as the backdrop for our campaign shoot, which added a real sense of place and authenticity to the collection.”
The Malbon x Bushmills capsule includes T-shirts, a hoodie, vest, windbreaker, hat, visor, flask and luggage set, a Glencairn glass set, and a crystal decanter set. It will officially release on July 17 at Bushmills.com/malbon and malbongolf.com.
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