Ted Bishop prepares to present Rory McIlroy with the Wanamaker Trophy at Kiawah Island in August 2012. Photo Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie

Ted Bishop threw more fuel on the fire of his controversy with R&A Chief Executive Peter Dawson when he described Royal Portrush as “open game” if the US PGA Championship ever goes international.

Rory McIlroy during the first round of the 2012 Irish Open at Royal Portrush. Picture Fran Caffrey www.golffile.ieGiven their interest in hosting The Open again and the suggestion by PGA of America President Ted Bishop that it might be a great place to start hosting the PGA Championship on foreign soil, Royal Portrush might be forgiven for getting head start on the azaleas, magnolias and white dogwoods. 

Record crowds crammed into Royal Portrush for the 2012 Irish Open. Picture Fran Caffrey www.golffile.ie

Royal Portrush could be in the mix to host a Major once more - not The Open but the US PGA.