World number one Scottie Scheffler’s masterclass in lifting the Claret Jug after winning the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush in July wasn’t the only afterglow from the championship, as new data has shown a significant economic benefit of £280 million (€318 million) for Northern Ireland.
The economic impact study conducted by the Sports Industry Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University in England – commissioned by the R&A, who run the championship, and Tourism Northern Ireland – showed various benefits from staging the event, which 278,000 spectators attended in July. The attendance passed the 2019 count of 237,750 and set a new record for the largest crowd outside the championships held at St Andrews.
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.”
Of the estimated £280 million in economic benefit, the study estimated global exposure of the championship – through linear television, digital platforms and online media – produced £191 million (€217 million) in destination marketing benefit, while a total economic impact of over £89 million (€101 million) was estimated, of which £43.7 million (€49.6 million) was specifically within Causeway Coast and Glens.
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The figures represent a significant increase on the total economic impact generated when The Open was last held at Royal Portrush in 2019 – almost double for Northern Ireland (2019: £45 million/€51 million) and growth of 67 per cent for Causeway Coast and Glens (2019: £26.2 million/€29.7 million). Key drivers behind the rise in the total economic impact between 2019 and 2025 include the growth in fan attendance together with higher daily spending by spectators, which increased by 134 per cent nationally and 100 per cent regionally, and more visitors staying in commercial accommodation.
More than half of those who attended this year’s Open (59.5 per cent) travelled from outside of Northern Ireland, including England (17.3 per cent), the Republic of Ireland (16.7 per cent) and the US (12.3 per cent). Most fans (62 per cent) were attending the Open for the first time.
The figures will also be of interest to the Irish Government, which has supported the prospect of Portmarnock Golf Club in north Dublin staging the championship. The R&A are undergoing viability studies on bringing the oldest Major to Portmarnock, which would mark the first time it would be staged outside the UK.
Booming business
Peter Lawrie’s involvement with award-winning golf tour operator Fairways and FunDays would confirm that there is life after tour golf.
Fairways and FunDays has received the considerable accolade of winning the title of ‘World’s Best Golf Tour Operator’ for the second successive year at the prestigious World Golf Awards, marking the first time a company has won the award twice.
Founded in 2014, Fairways and FunDays has sought to redefine how visitors experience golf in Ireland. The company offers fully customised golf and sightseeing holidays, combining world-class courses with the very best of Ireland “off the fairways”.
This latest win follows nine consecutive titles as Ireland’s Best Golf Tour Operator, further cementing Fairways and FunDays’ reputation as the leading expert in golf travel.
“To be named the World’s Best Golf Tour Operator for the second-year running is an extraordinary honour. This recognition reflects the incredible dedication of our talented team, the strong partnerships we’ve built across Ireland, and our shared passion for delivering life-changing experiences to golfers and non-golfers alike. The award also highlights Ireland’s continued strength as the world’s premier golf destination,” said Fairways and FunDays director Joe O’Carroll.
Lawrie – who spent two decades on the European Tour and the Challenge Tour, his biggest win coming in the 2008 Spanish Open – is director of golf with the company. “Every trip we create is a celebration of Ireland. Our goal has always been to give every client an unforgettable experience. Ireland is the sole destination we offer.
“This award reflects not only our dedication to providing the best golf vacation experience but also the exceptional quality of golf in Ireland,” he said.
By the Numbers: 2
Tom McKibbin’s recent globetrotting – which has seen him play in Scotland, Spain, Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi and Dubai in a late-season run since LIV Golf finished – continues this week when the Northern Irishman, who is up to a career best 79th in the official world rankings, tees it up in the PIF Saudi International, the finale to the International Series Golf on the Asian Tour. Graeme McDowell is also in the field.
Word of Mouth
“He’s achieved so much in the game. It would be very easy to have a very large head and he’s the polar opposite, he really is. He cares so much about other people … it’s just a real privilege to call him a friend and be on a Ryder Cup team with him and achieve those things together, and obviously play golf against him at this time in the world of golf where he is one of the best players, if not the best player in the world” – Matt Fitzpatrick on Rory McIlroy’s reaction in congratulating him after the DP World Tour Championship, where the Englishman beat the Northern Irishman in a playoff for the tournament title. McIlroy, of course, won the Harry Vardon Trophy for a seventh order of merit title.
Social Swing
Another successful season @DPWorldTour, despite thee doom and gloom over the last few years of many. With changes in pro golf it evolved & thrived. Congrats Matt & great to see more new stars emerge too. Rory box office & legacy secured as one of the greatest ever sportsmen – Paul McGinley, former tour player, Ryder Cup captain and player, and current Sky Sports commentator.
DOMINANCE! @McIlroyRory claims a SEVENTH Race to Dubai title, which is his fourth in a row. He now sits second all-time in career Race to Dubai Titles. This caps off an incredible season that will go down as one of the best in recent history #TeamTaylorMade – TaylorMade’s social posting bigging up their man.
Miyu Yamashita is the 2025 Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year – the LPGA Tour’s tip of the cap to the Japanese rookie, who transitioned from the Japan Ladies Tour to make a huge impact in her first season on the US circuit which included a maiden Major in the AIG Women’s Open.
Know the Rules
Q: A player realises that their putter shaft became bent when they slammed it into the ground after scoring an eight on the previous hole. They want to continue to use the club with the bent shaft. What is the ruling?
A: The player may continue to use the club in its damaged state for the rest of the round. This is covered by Rule 4.1a(2) which states, “If a conforming club is damaged during a round, it is treated as conforming and may still be used for the rest of the round.”
In the Bag – Matt Fitzpatrick (DP World Tour Championship)
Driver: Titleist GT3 (set at 9°)
3-Wood: TaylorMade Qi35 3-wood (15°)
5-Wood: TaylorMade Qi35 3-wood (18°)
Irons: Ping i210 (3-4), Ping (5-PW)
Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM10 (52°, 56°, 60°)
Putter: Bettinardi DASS BB48 Prototype
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x (2019)
