153rd Open Championship Boosts Northern Ireland’s Economy

News Summary

The 153rd Open Championship held at Royal Portrush has economically benefited Northern Ireland with over £280 million in total, marking a significant increase compared to previous years. With record attendance and international visitors, the event has showcased the region’s potential for tourism and economic growth. Local businesses have felt positive effects, and future championships are eagerly anticipated, highlighting the strong association between golf and Northern Ireland’s economy.

Golf’s Grand Slam: The 153rd Open Makes Waves for Northern Ireland

The golf world just witnessed an economic triumph following the recent 153rd Open Championship held at Royal Portrush, bringing in a staggering over £280 million in economic benefits for Northern Ireland. This figure isn’t just a casual boast; it stems from a carefully conducted independent economic impact study by the Sports Industry Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University.

Breaking Down the Numbers

When we dive deeper, the total economic impact precisely tied to Northern Ireland was calculated at £89.2 million. This financial boost is particularly notable considering the Causeway Coast and Glens area alone received an impressive £43.7 million from the Championship. Such a performance is a significant contributor to regional growth.

The Global Spotlight

But that’s not all—the Championship provided a jaw-dropping £191 million in destination marketing benefits through its extensive global exposure across television, digital platforms, and online media. Picture this: a record-breaking attendance of 278,000 fans flooded the area, making it the largest Championship ever to be held outside of St Andrews. Breaking the previous attendance record of 237,750 set in 2019 speaks volumes about the event’s allure.

International Turnout

A whopping 59.5% of attendees traveled from beyond the region, with significant numbers arriving from places like England (17.3%), the Republic of Ireland (16.7%), and the USA (12.3%). Intriguingly, over 62% of those present were experiencing The Open for the first time, adding fresh excitement to the event’s atmosphere. Spectator spending also skyrocketed, with national and regional spending by attendees soaring by 134% and 100%, respectively.

Extended Excursions

As the excitement of the Championship unfolded, it was revealed that 67% of attendees extended their stays to discover more of the beautiful region, which speaks volumes about the appeal of Northern Ireland’s tourist attractions.

Contrast with Previous Years

The economic impact of this year’s Championship is almost double that of 2019, which only generated £45 million for Northern Ireland. In particular, the Causeway Coast and Glens area experienced a remarkable 67% growth compared to 2019’s figures, which recorded £26.2 million. It’s clear that the area’s potential is blossoming, despite the hotel occupancy rates being lower than expected during the month of July.

Historic Attendance and Fun

For the first time ever, the Open’s practice days sold out, attracting 90,000 enthusiastic fans. Marketing efforts from local tourism bodies significantly contributed £12.1 million in public relations value. As a result, Scottie Scheffler triumphed the Championship with an aggregate score of 17-under-par, finishing four shots ahead of the competition. The thrill didn’t stop there—viewers tuned in in droves. The event marked the most-watched Open in the UK, racking up 21.2 million viewer hours, which is a remarkable 36% increase from previous years.

Future Prospects

Meanwhile, NBC/Peacock’s final round coverage in the USA saw an average of 4.1 million viewers. Digital engagement also took off, with the official Open app reaching a record number of daily users—up 21%—and a staggering 178% increase in new social media followers. With so much buzz generated, it’s no wonder the Ticket Ballot for the next Championship at Royal Birkdale saw the highest number of applications since 2022.

A Bright Horizon

Local businesses felt a positive ripple effect from the increased activity surrounding the event. While some struggled with hotel occupancy issues during the period, the overall enthusiasm for the sport remains high. The eagerness to return for future championships, particularly back to Northern Ireland, underscores the vibrant relationship between the sport and the region. The numbers are indicative of the golf industry’s resilience and its knack for bringing tourism and economic growth to new heights.

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