Golf’s Open Championship has reaffirmed its status as one of the world’s most powerful drivers of sports tourism, with the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush generating £89.2 million in total economic impact for Northern Ireland, according to a study by Sheffield Hallam University’s Sports Industry Research Centre. Causeway Coast and Glens alone benefited by £43.7 million, underscoring the Championship’s transformative effect on host destinations.
Beyond visitor spending, the global visibility of the golf major delivered a further £191 million in destination marketing value, driven by worldwide broadcast coverage, digital platforms and extensive online media reach, as reported by YouGov.
The Open’s spectacular return to the iconic Causeway Coast drew a record-breaking 278,000 spectators – the largest staging of the Championship ever held outside St Andrews and the biggest sporting event in Northern Ireland’s history, eclipsing the 237,750 attendance set in 2019.
Mark Darbon, Chief Executive of The R&A, said: “This remarkable economic benefit figure of more than £280 million demonstrates the huge value The Open brings to the regions in which it is staged. As one of the world’s great sporting events it drives tourism, generates substantial additional income for local businesses and communities and attracts an international audience to watch the world’s best golfers compete at world-class venues.
“We enjoyed a truly spectacular Championship at Royal Portrush and relished the incredible passion and enthusiasm of the fans who created such a fantastic atmosphere. It was hugely appreciated by the players who were competing for the iconic Claret Jug, including home favourite Rory McIlroy and this year’s Champion Golfer, Scottie Scheffler. We would like to thank the government and the local agencies in Northern Ireland together with the staff and members of Royal Portrush for their support in making The 153rd Open a huge success.”
The figures represent a significant increase on the total economic impact generated when The Open was last held at Royal Portrush in 2019 – almost double for Northern Ireland (2019: £45 million) and growth of 67% for Causeway Coast and Glens (2019: £26.2 million).
Key drivers behind the rise in the total economic impact between 2019 and 2025 include the growth in fan attendance together with higher daily spending by spectators, which increased by 134% nationally and 100% regionally, and more visitors staying in commercial accommodation.
More than half of those who attended The 153rd Open (59.5%) travelled from outside of Northern Ireland, including England (17.3%), the Republic of Ireland (16.7%) and the United States of America (12.3%). Most fans (62%), particularly those from outside Northern Ireland (77%), were attending The Open for the first time.
Dr Caoimhe Archibald, Economy Minister, said: “I very much welcome the news that The 153rd Open generated £280m in economic benefit for the north. This is unprecedented and demonstrates the importance of hosting such events for our economy.
“The hosting of The 153rd Open here was a resounding success. We once again demonstrated our ability to host major events, strengthening our reputation across the world, including generating new tourism opportunities as our wonderful landscape was broadcast globally. It boosted local businesses and provided a platform for building relationships with investors, including an event in Derry that I hosted to showcase the north west as a location for international expansion.
“I am proud of our role in delivering The 153rd Open. I would like to thank The R&A for again entrusting us with the Championship, as well as Tourism NI and all the partners and volunteers who helped deliver such an amazing event. We look forward to The R&A returning for the next chapter soon.”
Ellvena Graham, Chair of Tourism Northern Ireland, said: “We have always known that golf tourism is a key driver for the local economy and today’s economic impact figures are testament to that. Tourism NI’s own research shows the benefits of The Open were widespread. Around 67% of those who attended the Championship extended their stay to visit other parts of the region, where they spent money and experienced our famous Giant Spirit welcome. Furthermore, golf clubs and local businesses reported a positive local economic impact.
“Indeed, while the Championship generated £280 million in combined economic and media benefit, marketing and communication activity undertaken by Tourism NI and Tourism Ireland delivered an additional £12.1 million in PR value. This ground-breaking event will undoubtedly raise our standing on the world stage.”
Image: tourismni.com