Open Championships boost Ayrshire economy by more than £40 million
The 152nd Open Championships at Royal Troon contributed more than £40 million to the Ayrshire economy.
Tens of thousands of supporters descended on the South Ayrshire course for golf’s showpiece event in July with £43.8 million of new money injected into the local economy.
An independent study commissioned by The R&A found that the 2024 championships boosted the Scottish economy by more than £300 million.
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Further economic benefits could be coming to the county as the research found 61 per cent of spectators from outside Ayrshire expected to return to the area for a short break in the next year.
The news comes as The R&A announced a new 11-year partnership with the Scottish Government and VisitScotland to host major competitions at Scottish courses.
In total, £11 million will be contributed towards the staging of The Open, The Women’s Open and the Senior Open in Scotland until 2034 with 14 championships held across various venues during the term of the partnership.
Royal Troon remains the only Ayrshire course on The Open rotation after The R&A announced they would not be staging competitions at Turnberry for “the foreseeable future”.
According to a study by Sheffield Hallam University’s Sport Industry Research Centre (SIRC), the 2024 event provided a total economic impact - new money entering the economy - of £87.3 million to Scotland while independent research led by YouGov Sport showed that £216 million of destination marketing benefit was delivered for Scotland as a result of it being broadcast worldwide through linear television and digital platforms.
Royal Troon also saw a record-breaking Open attendance of 258,174 spectators across the four days of competition.
This year’s championships saw American Xander Schauffele take home the Claret Jug for the first time with a score on nine under par, two shots clear of Billy Horschel and Justin Rose.
Professor Simon Shibli, SIRC director at Sheffield Hallam University, said: “We were delighted to return to Royal Troon for The 152nd Open, following our initial economic impact study at the course in 2016.
“In the intervening years spectator numbers have increased significantly, as has their spending in South Ayrshire and Scotland more widely.
“It is hugely rewarding to see research insight being used effectively to maximise the economic benefit of The Open for its host communities.”
Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&A, added: “The partnership with the Scottish Government and VisitScotland ensures continuing support for staging our championships at renowned venues around the country, reinforcing Scotland’s international reputation as the home of golf and for providing a world-class stage for hosting major sporting events.
“Independent studies have proven that major championship golf delivers significant economic benefits to Scotland by driving tourism, showcasing the country to a global audience and generating income for local communities and businesses.
“The results produced by The 152nd Open at Royal Troon reinforce this and we look forward to working with our partners in government over the next 10 years to stage a number of outstanding major championships in Scotland.”
Richard Lochhead MSP, Minister for Business, said: “Golf is intertwined with Scotland’s identity, economy and global reputation. This agreement ensures some of the world’s most prestigious golfing events are hosted in Scotland until at least 2034.
“The R&A’s championships bring thousands of visitors to wherever they are hosted. Research shows that the most recent Open, held in Troon, brought millions of pounds to the local economy, providing a transformational boost to businesses and communities. So, it is vital we continue to maximise Scotland’s reputation as the home of golf to secure the significant economic impact associated with these championships.
“And these events showcase Scotland on the world stage, highlighting the varied landscape and sporting excellence Scotland offers.”
Rob Dickson, VisitScotland director of industry and events, added: “Golf events have a significant economic and social impact in Scotland. As part of the country’s diverse portfolio of sporting and cultural events, they showcase Scotland’s natural beauty and world-class golfing heritage to a worldwide audience while supporting the economy by driving visitor numbers and creating jobs.
“The partnership with The R&A and Scottish Government to secure this pipeline of major championships over 11 years, will reinforce Scotland’s position as a world-leading tourism and events destination.”
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