Martin Slumbers says the Open Championship will provide a "fantastic atmosphere" ©Getty Images

Extra tickets are set to go on sale for July's Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club after the capacity of the Northern Ireland venue was increased on all four days.

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A) was keen to cater for "huge demand" after last year sold out in record time, with additional tickets for the 2019 edition due to be available from April 15.

Chief executive of The R&A, Martin Slumbers, said: “From the moment tickets and hospitality packages went on sale last year, it was clear there was huge demand from fans to attend this historic occasion.

“We have been working closely with Government agencies, our advisers and contractors to assess whether we could accommodate more fans on each day of the Championship and have decided we can do so without impacting on the outstanding spectator experience we provide.

“We are delighted to offer more fans the opportunity to book their place by releasing additional tickets and introducing two new hospitality experiences, which will further enhance what will be a fantastic atmosphere."

Rory McIlroy is set to be one of the star attractions at the Open Championship ©Getty Images
Rory McIlroy is set to be one of the star attractions at the Open Championship ©Getty Images

There is still time for fans to sign up to The One Club for free in order to gain priority access to the additional tickets for the event, which will take place from July 18 to 21.

Fans who have signed up will receive an email from The R&A with instructions on how to purchase tickets before they go on sale.

The R&A has also introduced two new hospitality packages at Faulkner’s Place and The Dunluce Pavilion.

John McGrillen, chief executive of Tourism NI, said: “We very much welcome this announcement and it is evident from the Championship’s record-breaking sell-out of tickets to date that there is great excitement for its return to Northern Ireland for the first time in almost 70 years.

“This increase in capacity will give even more people an opportunity to visit our shores and with tens of thousands of spectators and visitors from across the world expected to be in attendance, it is shaping up to be the biggest event ever held here.

“We’re working with our partners at The R&A, the Council and many other agencies to deliver a fantastic event and we can’t wait to show our local, national and international visitors the best of NI and the legacy it will leave for golf, sport and tourism here.”