The R&A has entered into a new 11-year partnership with the Scottish Government and VisitScotland to host major golf championships in Scotland. The three organizations will combine to contribute $14 million towards staging The Open, AIG Women’s Open, and the Senior Open in Scotland between 2024 and 2034. This investment is expected to drive tourism, showcase Scotland as a world-class event destination, and deliver significant economic and social benefits to the country and the host regions with a total of 14 championships scheduled during this partnership.
An independent study commissioned by The R&A revealed that The 152nd Open at Royal Troon, which drew a record-breaking 258,174 fans in July, generated almost $400 million in total economic benefit for Scotland. Specifically, the Championship provided a total economic impact of $110 million to Scotland, according to research conducted by Sheffield Hallam University’s Sport Industry Research Centre. Additionally, a study led by YouGov Sport showed that $280 million of destination marketing benefit was delivered for Scotland through worldwide broadcast on television and digital platforms.
The economic benefits generated by The Open in Scotland since 2005 have totaled $1.76 billion, with over two million fans attending the events, including 250,000 from overseas. The R&A’s Kids Go Free initiative has allowed 230,000 young people under the age of 16 to access tickets at no cost. In addition to boosting the economy and global profile of Scotland, the partnership is expected to drive positive social impacts in the country by delivering inclusive and responsible events in line with the national events strategy: Scotland the Perfect Stage 2024-2035.
Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&A, highlighted the significant economic benefits that major championship golf brings to Scotland by driving tourism, showcasing the country globally, and generating income for local communities and businesses. The partnership with the Scottish Government and VisitScotland will ensure the continuation of staging outstanding major championships in Scotland at renowned venues, reinforcing Scotland’s reputation as the home of golf and a world-class event destination.
Minister for Business, Richard Lochhead, emphasized the importance of hosting prestigious golfing events in Scotland until at least 2034, noting the transformational impact these events have on local economies. Rob Dickson, VisitScotland Director of Industry and Events, described golf events as having a significant economic and social impact in Scotland, showcasing the country’s natural beauty and golfing heritage to a global audience while supporting the economy through increased visitor numbers and job creation.
Director of the Sport Industry Research at Sheffield Hallam University, Professor Simon Shibli, praised the economic impact of The 152nd Open at Royal Troon, which injected $56.7 million of new money into Ayrshire. Over half of the spectators at The Open traveled from outside of Scotland, with nearly 10% coming from the United States. The study also revealed that a majority of surveyed spectators had attended at least one Open previously, indicating the event’s popularity and appeal to repeat attendees.
