This Golf Restaurant Just Got Absolutely Roasted Into Submission

By Lewis Barnett 16 July, 2025 7 mins read 295 Views

Okay, so picture this: you're heading to The Open, excited to watch some world-class golf, maybe grab a bite... and then you see a chicken burger priced at £17.95.

Yeah. That happened.

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When Greed Meets Twitter (Spoiler: Greed Loses)

The Ramore Winebar in Portrush thought they could pull a fast one during The Open. Their brilliant business strategy? Jack up a chicken and bacon burger from £7.95 to £17.95 overnight. Because apparently, golf tournaments make chicken twice as expensive to cook. The math doesn't add up, but hey, what do I know about running a restaurant empire?

But wait, it gets worse. A bowl of chilli chicken pasta went from £14.95 to £27.95. Twenty-seven pounds. For pasta. With chicken. I've seen Michelin-starred places charge less for their signature dishes, and this is a seaside town in Northern Ireland, not Monaco.

The Internet Does What the Internet Does Best

Golf fans absolutely lost their minds on social media. One person on X just wrote "What were they thinking......?" (and honestly, those extra dots captured the pure disbelief perfectly). Another simply said "Appalling." But my favorite response was just two words: "Pure greed."

Sometimes the internet gets it exactly right.

Damage Control Mode: Activated

The owners scrambled to explain themselves, claiming "increased costs associated with the golf tournament" justified the price hikes. Right. Because suddenly their suppliers started charging premium rates for chicken the moment The Open came to town?

After getting absolutely demolished online, they backtracked faster than a golfer running from a thunderstorm. The burger now costs £12.95 at lunch and £13.95 at dinner (because apparently chicken gets more expensive after 5 PM). The pasta dropped to £17.95 for lunch and £24.95 for dinner.

Still overpriced, but at least they're not completely taking the piss anymore.

The "We're Just a Family Business" Defense

Their statement to the BBC was... something. They pulled out the classic "we're a family-run business" card, mentioning they hired 30+ agency staff, 30+ security personnel, and 20+ entertainers. Look, I get it - events cost money. But doubling your food prices isn't the solution, it's just lazy pricing.

"Everyone can make mistakes, however nobody deserves slander and hatred," they said. Fair enough on the hatred part, but calling out ridiculous pricing isn't slander - it's consumer advocacy.

The Bigger Picture (It's Actually Pretty Big)

Here's the thing: around 275,000 fans are descending on Royal Portrush across eight days. That's a massive opportunity for local businesses to make some serious money while providing good service. Instead, Ramore decided to see how much they could squeeze out of people before someone noticed.

156 golfers are competing for the Claret Jug this week, including defending champion Xander Schauffele. These fans traveled from all over the world to watch elite golf, and some restaurant group thought they could exploit that excitement.

They thought wrong.

Sometimes I wonder if business owners forget that social media exists. In 2025, you can't just randomly double your prices and hope nobody notices. Screenshots travel faster than gossip at a church potluck, and angry customers have platforms to voice their frustrations.

The Ramore Group learned that lesson the hard way this week. Good.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I be aware of regarding golf course maintenance?

The maintenance of a golf course includes many different practices. These include mowing, watering, aeration, and topdressing. How a green is maintained can greatly affect the way it plays. Aerated greens are slower and may not be as smooth. Fairways with a lot of water may feel longer and softer. And tighter mowing can result in faster fairways and quicker greens. Being aware of maintenance schedules can inform your strategy on the course. Before you start your round, check the local rules and announcements. They might contain information on course conditions that are temporary due to ongoing maintenance.

How do I choose the right golf club for a particular shot?

Selecting the correct club is based on factors such as distance, wind conditions and hazards. It also depends on your level of skill. Woods can be used from the tee to make long shots. As you approach the green, lower-numbered clubs (such as a 4 and 5) are used to hit longer shots. Higher-numbered clubs (such as an 8 and 9) are used to make shorter shots. When you are aiming for accuracy, a sand or pitching wedge may be used. You will also need a putter to complete your putting. Knowing the distance you need to hit each club for and what your average range is can help with club selection.

What golf clubs do beginners need?

Beginners can get by with a simple set of golf clubs. Standard sets typically include a golf driver, some woods (such a 3-wood, 5-wood), a range of irons (4 to 9), a pitching-wedge, and a club putter. A sand-wedge is also useful for bunker shots. Professional golfers can carry 14 clubs as per the rules. However, for beginners, it is best to master only a few clubs. As you begin, use clubs that you find comfortable to help develop your confidence.

How can I improve the way I play golf?

It takes practice, good technique, as well as professional instruction, to improve your swing. Start with a solid grip, stance and posture. You must maintain a fluid, balanced swing by maintaining a balanced stance, with feet at shoulder width apart. Slow-motion practice is a great way to learn the elements of your swing path, the alignment of the clubface, and the point contact. You can work with a coach for personalized feedback and refine your technique by driving or practicing on the range. Consistency is key, so focus on repeating a good swing, rather than hitting the ball hard.

Why does it matter to have a proper pre-shot ritual in golfing?

A pre-shot routine helps establish consistency and focus before each golf shot, leading to better performance under various conditions. This can include identifying your target, visualizing how the ball will fly, practicing your swings, or aligning yourself to the target. Consistent routines can help improve mental preparation, as they provide a process that is familiar to fall back on when under pressure. This helps golfers to control their nerves and reduce distractions. They can then focus on the shot they are aiming for. The key is to create a routine that is comfortable and repeatable, yet flexible enough to adapt to different shots.

What are the best methods to maintain and take care of my golf clubs?

Proper care extends the life of your golf clubs and ensures they perform as intended. To keep your club heads free of dirt, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and soapy warm water after every round. Check grips and shafts for wear. If they are worn, you may need to replace them every year. Store your club in a place that is dry and cool. Extreme temperature or moisture will damage your clubs. Use headcovers for woods and putters to protect them from dings and scratches during transportation.

How often do I need to practice golf in order to improve my skills?

Improvement in golf comes with consistency and the quality of practice, rather than just the quantity. For beginners, practicing two to three times a week can lead to noticeable improvements. Focus on dedicating time to all aspects of the game: long shots, short game, and putting. In order to practice effectively, it is necessary to set a clear goal for each session. This could be improving your shot accuracy or distance control. Incorporate professional instruction when possible to ensure your practice is effective and not reinforcing poor techniques. Remember that it's more than just hitting as many balls you can; each shot counts.

Statistics

Studies show that practicing putting for at least 15 minutes before a round can improve a player's putting accuracy by as much as 25%.
Beginner golfers who invest in at least five professional lessons reduce their handicap by an average of 30% faster than those who do not seek instruction.
Roughly 60% of golfers who maintain a handicap index see an improvement in their scores year over year.
Junior golf programs have seen an increase in participation by approximately 20% over the past decade, indicating growing interest among younger players.
Golfers who take lessons improve their game twice as fast as those who choose to learn through trial and error.
Golfers who use a golf-specific fitness program can increase their drive distance by an average of 15 yards, benefitting their overall game.
About 85% of golf instructors recommend that new players focus on short game skills as an effective way to reduce their scores.

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How To

What is the Best Golf Ball?

You will get the best performance from your golf game if you select the right ball. Beginners will want to begin with a two-piece ball that is designed for distance and durability. These balls are typically made with a core that's solid and a cover with a harder surface. They are forgiving, so they work well for golfers with slower swing speeds. Consider multi-layered golf balls as you improve. They offer more spin and feel to enhance your shot-making abilities around the green. Evaluate different compression ratings to find a ball that corresponds to your swing speed and fulfills the demands of your game.

Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/golf/the-open-2025-where-your-money-goes-to-die-but-maybe-not-this-time