The story of ‘the most famous bench in golf’

It has been referred to as the world’s most well-known bench for almost 15 years.

It has become a viral hit at this year’s Open, and it features proudly on the sixth tee at Royal Portrush, with views of the beach below and the coast miles either side.

Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and Jon Rahm are just a few of the sport’s biggest names who have been photographed resting up at the back end of the course.

“Jim McDowell – from just a few of his many golfing friends to celebrate his 70th birthday” is written on the inscription.

What’s the background to it, though? Camaraderie and friendship are at the heart of the game of golf.

Dad is no longer with us, but he used to play with a group of hackers at Royal Portrush, according to his daughter Zoe.

“They had the best time,” according to the report from the back nine, where they could have a wee regroup at the halfway point.

The location on the iconic sixth tee was chosen, according to Zoe, and Jim received a surprise surprise when the secretary of Royal Portrush at the time chose it.

Zoe added, “She knew the lie of the land and we believe she chose the best location.”

He said, “It was unexpected, and it’s been a joy to enjoy it ever since.”

“Dad was really excited because he was one of the few people to receive a bench while they were still alive. He would frequently have the craic while sat on it with his friends.

It’s been amazing to see how many people from this Open are enjoying it because there have been many family memories and stories from the bench.

Claire, Jim’s other daughter, claimed that her father “would have loved watching some of the sport’s biggest names enjoy his bench at the Open.”

The sisters continued, “Every year, they visit the bench and reflect on their dad’s memories.” Most people go to a grave, according to Claire. We reach a bench.

She said while watching Zoe play the Open on Saturday, “We were so excited and we know Dad would have loved it.”

If he had been here, he would have loved it.

Although it’s been a little crazy, we always believed it to be the best golf bench. It’s pretty cool, there was never any dispute about that for us.