Record-breaking £280 million boost for Northern Ireland from the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush

(L-R) David Jackson, CEO of Causeway Coast and Glens District Council, Ellvena Graham, Chair of Tourism NI, Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Chief Championships Officer at The R&A, David McMullan, deputy chair of the championships committee at Royal Portrush Golf Club and Aine Kearney, Director of Events at Tourism NI announce that £280 million in economic benefit was provided to Northern Ireland by The 153^rdOpen at Royal Portrush.

The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush has generated an extraordinary £280 million in combined economic and marketing benefit for Northern Ireland, according to new independent research commissioned by The R&A and Tourism Northern Ireland.

The total includes a direct economic impact of £89.2 million, as calculated by the Sports Industry Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University. Of this, £43.7 million was felt specifically within the Causeway Coast and Glens, underlining the region’s growing profile as a world-class sporting destination.

A further £191 million in global destination marketing value was achieved through television, digital platforms and online media coverage, based on analysis by YouGov.

With a record-breaking 278,000 spectators, this year’s Championship became the most attended Open ever staged outside St Andrews and the largest sporting event in Northern Ireland’s history.

“A remarkable economic benefit” — The R&A

Mark Darbon, Chief Executive of The R&A, said the figures highlight the Championship’s global significance:

“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.

“We enjoyed a truly spectacular Championship at Royal Portrush and relished the incredible passion and enthusiasm of the fans who created such a fantastic atmosphere. It was hugely appreciated by the players who were competing for the iconic Claret Jug, including home favourite Rory McIlroy and this year’s Champion Golfer, Scottie Scheffler.”

He also thanked government partners, local agencies, and Royal Portrush for delivering a “huge success”.

Economic Impact Nearly Doubles Since 2019

The findings show a dramatic increase compared to the last time The Open was held at Royal Portrush:

• Northern Ireland’s total impact grew from £45m in 2019 to £89.2m in 2025

• Causeway Coast and Glens saw a 67% increase, rising from £26.2m to £43.7m

Key reasons for the surge include:

• Increased spectator numbers

• Higher daily spend, rising 134% nationally and 100% regionally

• More visitors staying in commercial accommodation

More than half of all attendees (59.5%) travelled from outside Northern Ireland, including significant numbers from England (17.3%), the Republic of Ireland (16.7%) and the USA (12.3%).

Most visitors (62%) — and 77% of international spectators — were attending The Open for the first time.

Economy Minister: “Unprecedented impact for the north”

Northern Ireland’s Economy Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, welcomed the findings:

“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. We once again demonstrated our ability to host major events, strengthening our reputation across the world, including generating new tourism opportunities as our wonderful landscape was broadcast globally.”

She added that the event boosted local businesses and strengthened investor relations, including a special business event she hosted in Derry.

Tourism NI: “Golf tourism is a key driver of the local economy”

Ellvena Graham, Chair of Tourism Northern Ireland, said the results reaffirm the region’s global appeal:

“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.

“Tourism NI’s own research shows the benefits of The Open were widespread. Around 67% of those who attended the Championship extended their stay to visit other parts of the region, where they spent money and experienced our famous Giant Spirit welcome.”

In addition to the £280 million in combined benefit, Tourism NI and Tourism Ireland’s joint communications and marketing activity generated £12.1 million in PR value.

Causeway Coast and Glens: “A world-class area on the global stage”

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, praised the results:

“As a Council we are delighted to hear that Northern Ireland has benefitted from over £280 million as a result of The 153rd Open.

“Causeway Coast and Glens is an area of world class appeal and we were pleased to host The Open this year for the second time.

“Hosting this world class sporting event has enabled us to showcase the beauty of Causeway Coast and Glens to the world; we know that as a result more people will come to enjoy everything our Council area has to offer.”

He thanked partners and volunteers for making the Championship a “fantastic success”.

Visitors and Residents Report Strong Social Impact

The study also highlighted positive social and tourism outcomes:

• 79% of spectators want to return to Royal Portrush to play the course

• 61% of visitors from outside NI extended their stay, typically by three days

• 35% played golf elsewhere in Northern Ireland during their trip

• 98% of NI residents felt proud to host The Open

• 97% said the event positively influenced how they feel about where they live

• 86% believed it helped bring their local community together

• 92% of visitors said the trip improved their perception of NI as a holiday destination

• 79% are more likely to return within the next 12 months for a holiday

• 76% are more likely to return for a golf break