The R&A has today (28 October) has announced a new 11-year partnership with the Scottish Government and VisitScotland. This follows an independent study by Sheffield Hallam University’s Sport Industry Research Centre commissioned by The R&A.
Article published 28/10/2024
The 152nd Open at Royal Troon
£303.3 million
Total economic benefit for Scotland.
£87.3 million
Total economic impact for Scotland (new money entering the economy).
£43.8 million
Total economic impact for Ayrshire (new money entering the economy).
£216 million
Destination marketing benefit for Scotland through linear tv and digital platform broadcasts.
Economic benefit and impact source: Independent study by Sheffield Hallam University’s Sport Industry Research Centre, commissioned by The R&A. Destination marketing benefit source: YouGov Sport
The new agreement will see both Scottish Government and VisitScotland contribute a combined £11 million towards staging The Open, AIG Women’s Open, and the Senior Open in Scotland between 2024 and 2034.
This investment in the championships will drive tourism and showcase Scotland as a world-class stage for major events. It will also deliver significant economic and social benefits to the country and the host regions.
A total of fourteen championships will be held in Scotland across various venues during the term of the partnership.
The agreement will bring economic benefits and global profile to Scotland.
It will also help drive positive social impacts for the country through the delivery of inclusive and responsible events as outlined in the national events strategy, Scotland the Perfect Stage 2024-2035.
258,174 people attended The 152nd Open
51.1%
Spectators who travelled from outside of Scotland (about 20% of which came from the United States).
61%
Spectators from outside Ayrshire expected to return to South Ayrshire for a short break in 2025.
66%
UK spectators residing outside Scotland that are expected to revisit South Ayrshire in 2025.
56%
Overseas spectators that are expected to revisit South Ayrshire in 2025.
Source: Independent study by Sheffield Hallam University’s Sport Industry Research Centre, commissioned by The R&A.
The R&A's Greenlinks initiative puts sustainability at the centre of championship staging. It includes a focus on:
- low carbon by monitoring and reducing emissions
- a circular economy by considering material sourcing and moving to circular use
- protecting nature through reducing disturbance and enhancing the national environment
- increasing social value by delivering positive benefits for individuals and communities through golf participation, volunteering, and health initiatives
Ten stagings of The Open in Scotland since 2005
£1.36 billion
Total economic benefit
Over 2 million
Total attendance
250,000
Overseas attendance
230,000
Children under 16 attending through the R&A's Kids go Free initiative.
Source: Independent study by Sheffield Hallam University’s Sport Industry Research Centre, commissioned by The R&A.
The partnership with the Scottish Government and VisitScotland ensures continuing support for staging our championships at renowned venues around the country.
This reinforces 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 ten years to stage a number of outstanding major championships in Scotland.
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.
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.
These events showcase Scotland on the world stage, highlighting the varied landscape and sporting excellence Scotland offers.
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 world-leading tourism and events destination.