It had been thought that Asia would be the most likely venue, but PGA of America president Ted Bishop told Golf Channel’s ’Morning Drive’ programme on Thursday that he was interested in Portrush.

“Royal Portrush would be a great first international major,” he said. “I think given the powerful effect that Irish golfers have on the professional game today, that might be a good place to start.”

The R&A denied reports this summer that the Open Championship was set to be held at Portrush in either 2018 or 2019. R&A chief executive Peter Dawson admitted earlier this year that Portrush is “a fantastic golf course,” but concerns remain over the infrastructure required to stage a major and Dawson feels the current nine-course Open rota is “about right”.

The Northern Irish course has not hosted a major since the 1951 Open, but the Irish Open was a huge success there in 2012.

Former US Open champion and Portrush native Graeme McDowell admitted the possibility of staging one of golf's four major championships was ``very bizarre,'' adding: ``It's always been a dream of mine to play the Open there but the US PGA would do nicely.

“It’s very bizarre and an amazing statement. I couldn’t believe it and read it three times. I had heard the US PGA was looking at going global, which is a very positive step forward, but I was expecting Asia, not the north coast of Ireland.

“Even if it never comes to fruition it’s a great boost to be mentioned in that breath. My brother Gary is on the greenkeeping staff there and he will have a spring in his step.

“Having three majors in America with the way the game is growing is a little too weighted. It’s the fourth major of four so taking it somewhere else would really boost the interest. Asia, Australia or Europe would really embrace it.”