No. 153RD The Royal Portrush Open brings more than £280 million of economic benefit to Northern Ireland, according to independent research commissioned by the R&A and Tourism Northern Ireland.
153 stageRD Economic impact research conducted by the Center for Sport Industry Research at Sheffield Hallam University calculated that the Open had a total economic impact of £89.2 million in Northern Ireland. Of this, £43.7 million is earmarked for the Causeway Coast and Glens areas.
Additionally, according to YouGov research, the Championship generated a destination marketing benefit of £191 million through global exposure through linear television, digital platforms and online media.
The Open’s return to the iconic Causeway attracted a record crowd of 278,000 – the largest tournament held outside St Andrews and the largest sporting event ever staged in Northern Ireland – surpassing the previous record of 237,750 set in 2019.
Mark Darbon, chief executive of the R&A, said: “The significant economic impact figure of over £280 million is testament to the huge value the Open brings to the regions where it is hosted. As one of the world’s greatest sporting events, it drives tourism, generates significant additional revenue for local businesses and communities, and attracts international audiences to watch the world’s best golfers compete on world-class venues.
“We enjoyed a truly spectacular championship at Royal Portrush and admired the incredible passion and enthusiasm of the fans who created such a fantastic atmosphere. This was greatly appreciated by the players taking part in the iconic Claret Jug, including home favorite Rory McIlroy and this year’s champion golfer Scotty Scheffler.
“We would like to thank the Northern Ireland Government and local agencies as well as the staff and members of Royal Portrush for their support of 153RD The opening was a huge success. “
bigger increase
The figures represent a significant increase in the overall economic impact from the last time the Open was held at Royal Portrush in 2019 – almost doubling in Northern Ireland (2019: £45m) and growing by 67% in the Causeway Coast and The Glens (2019: £26.2m).
Elvena Graham, chair of Tourism Northern Ireland, said: “We have always known that golf tourism is a key driver of the local economy and today’s economic impact figures prove this.
“Visit NI’s own research shows that the benefits of The Open are wide-ranging. Some 67% of those attending the tournament extended their stay to visit other places in the region, where they spent money and experienced our famous Giant Spirit welcome. In addition, golf clubs and local businesses reported a positive impact on the local economy.
“Indeed, while the championship generated a combined economic and media benefit of £280 million, the marketing and communications campaign developed by Visit Northern Ireland and Tourism Ireland delivered an additional £12.1 million in PR value. This ground-breaking event will undoubtedly enhance our standing on the world stage”.
