Graeme McDowell has led calls for The Open to make a quick-fire return to Royal Portrush.
The Portrush native hailed his home course's handling of hosting The Open for the first time in 68 years by insisting his playing peers rate it the best links championship venue.
And the 39-year-old even admitted he has heard talk that the R&A could bring the tournament back to Northern Ireland in the next five years.
Whatever happens McDowell will not stop lobbying for his home town to gain further Open championship hosting privileges, now that Northern Ireland is back in the rotation reckoning.
"I've heard the whispers that we could be back here as soon as five years from now," said McDowell.
"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."
Royal Portrush course bosses have long admitted that even 20 years ago the idea of The Open coming to Northern Ireland was hugely fanciful.
But now the wait has been broken, McDowell insisted Northern Ireland needs further support for Portrush to become a regular Open venue.
"If we have to wait another 10 years, the icing might rub off between now and then and people might forget a little bit," said McDowell.
"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."
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