Genesis Scottish Open delivers £19.2m boost to Scottish economy
Tournament supports 234 jobs as it returns to Renaissance Club this week
Las Vegas - The 2024 Genesis Scottish Open delivered a net economic impact of £19.2 million to Scotland, supporting 234 jobs, a new report has revealed ahead of this year’s tournament.
Analysis by Stirling-based consultancy MKA Economics confirmed the Rolex Series event — co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and PGA TOUR — attracted more than 76,000 spectators over four days at The Renaissance Club, North Berwick. Of the total impact, £10.8 million came directly from visitor spending, while the local East Lothian economy alone benefitted by £7.8 million, supporting 97 jobs — a 32% increase on 2019.
“The Genesis Scottish Open draws thousands of visitors from around the world each year, playing a key role in growing Scotland’s visitor economy, while also delivering meaningful social and environmental benefits,” said Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events at VisitScotland.
Business Minister Richard Lochhead added: “The Genesis Scottish Open is one of the centrepieces of Scotland’s sporting calendar and this report shows the very real benefits to come from staging such a significant international event.”
The 2025 tournament returns to The Renaissance Club this week with an expanded programme of environmental and educational initiatives. These include the DP World Tour’s Green Drive sustainability programme, a ‘Better with Nature’ campaign for spectators, and the Golf Futures schools programme offering career talks and behind-the-scenes tours for local children.
Championship Director Rory Colville said: “Spectator numbers are increasing year-on-year, and this new study shows that this is having a tangible economic benefit to both the local and national economy. With our partners at VisitScotland, Scottish Government, Genesis and the PGA TOUR, we are focused on increasing the positive economic and broader societal impact of the Rolex Series tournament once again this year.”
The tournament remains a key fixture in golf’s global calendar, counting towards both the Race to Dubai and FedExCup rankings and held the week before The Open Championship.