Record Windfall for Northern Ireland as The 153rd Open Delivers £280 Million Boost
Royal Portrush’s triumphant return sets new benchmarks for attendance, global exposure and economic impact
Seoul, Korea - The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush generated more than £280 million in economic benefit for Northern Ireland, according to independent research commissioned by The R&A and Tourism Northern Ireland.
An economic impact study conducted by the Sports Industry Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University confirmed that staging the Championship delivered £89.2 million to Northern Ireland, including £43.7 million specifically within Causeway Coast and Glens. A further £191 million in destination marketing value was produced through global television, digital and online exposure, based on research conducted by YouGov.
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.”
This year’s Championship welcomed a record-breaking attendance of 278,000 – the largest Open ever held outside St Andrews and the biggest sporting event in Northern Ireland’s history. It eclipsed the previous Portrush mark of 237,750 set in 2019. The rise in impact was driven by larger crowds, higher daily spectator spending – up 134% nationally and 100% regionally – and more visitors staying in commercial accommodation.
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald 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… It boosted local businesses and provided a platform for building relationships with investors.”
Tourism Northern Ireland Chair Ellvena Graham added: “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. Around 67% of those who attended extended their stay, spending money in other parts of the region and experiencing our Giant Spirit welcome.”
The results mark a near-doubling of Northern Ireland’s total economic impact compared with 2019 (£45 million) and a 67% rise for Causeway Coast and Glens (£26.2 million). With more than half of all spectators travelling from outside Northern Ireland – including 17.3% from England, 16.7% from the Republic of Ireland and 12.3% from the United States – the Championship has strengthened the region’s global profile and tourism appeal.
With its record crowds, global reach and overwhelming economic return, Royal Portrush’s latest chapter sets a powerful precedent. Northern Ireland’s leaders have already signalled their intention to welcome The Open back soon, and The R&A has praised the support of government, local agencies and the Royal Portrush membership for delivering another landmark Championship.