ROYAL PORTRUSH — Tucked away on the rugged coastline of Northern Ireland, a simple wooden bench at Royal Portrush Golf Club has become an unlikely landmark in the world of golf. Dubbed "the most famous bench in golf," it carries a story of love, loss, and the enduring connection between a family and the sport they cherished.
The Bench That Became a Legend
The bench, situated near the 16th tee of the Dunluce Links, was donated by the family of the late David McNeill, a devoted golfer and member of Royal Portrush. His daughters, Zoe and Claire, spoke to BBC Sport about how their father's humble memorial became a pilgrimage site for golf fans worldwide. "Dad would have been amazed," Zoe said. "He just loved this place—the views, the camaraderie. To see his bench celebrated like this is bittersweet."
The bench gained global attention during the 2019 Open Championship, when cameras repeatedly captured players pausing to take in the breathtaking panorama of the North Atlantic. Social media erupted with images of golfers like Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry sitting on the bench, unwittingly turning it into an icon. Claire recalled, "We never expected it to become part of golf history. It’s a tribute to Dad’s love for the game."
A Family’s Tribute
David McNeill, a lifelong golfer, passed away in 2016 after a battle with cancer. His daughters wanted a memorial that reflected his passion. "Royal Portrush was his happy place," Zoe explained. "We thought a bench where others could enjoy the view he loved would be perfect." The club welcomed the idea, and the bench was installed with a small plaque reading, "In memory of David McNeill, who loved this place."
The family’s connection to Royal Portrush runs deep. David was a regular competitor in club tournaments, and his daughters grew up watching him play. Claire shared, "Some of our best memories are here—walking the course with him, hearing his stories. This bench keeps those moments alive."
Why This Bench Stands Out
While golf courses are dotted with benches, few have captured the imagination like David McNeill’s. Several factors contribute to its fame:
- Location: Perched on a cliffside, it offers one of the most stunning views in golf.
- Timing: Its prominence during the 2019 Open introduced it to millions.
- Story: The emotional backstory resonates with fans and players alike.
Rory McIlroy, a Portrush native, once remarked, "You can’t help but stop there. It’s peaceful, and now it’s part of the fabric of this course."
A Symbol of Community
The bench has also become a gathering spot for locals and visitors. Golfers often leave small tokens—tees, ball markers, or notes—to honor David’s memory. "It’s touching to see how people have embraced it," Claire said. "Dad would have loved knowing his bench brings people together."
Royal Portrush has embraced the bench’s legacy, too. During major tournaments, it’s now a featured spot for broadcasts. Club historian John Grainger noted, "It’s rare for something so simple to become so meaningful. This bench is now part of our story."
A Lasting Legacy
For Zoe and Claire, the bench is more than a memorial—it’s a way to share their father’s spirit with the world. "Golf was his joy, and now his joy is part of the game’s history," Zoe reflected. As visitors continue to pause and take in the view, David McNeill’s love for Royal Portrush lives on, one quiet moment at a time.
The next time you watch a tournament at Royal Portrush, keep an eye out for that unassuming bench. As Claire put it, "It’s not just a seat—it’s a reminder of why we love this game."
