St Andrews Links Trust said the cash boost was down to unprecedented demand to play at the historic venue.
ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND
The body behind the world famous Old Course in St Andrews made record revenues of £48million last year after visitors flocked to the Home of Golf.
St Andrews Links Trust said the cash boost was down to unprecedented demand to play at the historic venue.
The charitable trust, which operates seven golf courses in the Fife town including the Old Course, had recorded losses when they closed during the pandemic.
Previous winners of The Open at St Andrews have included Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Seve Ballesteros.
But income soared to a record £48.5million in 2024, with a surplus of £10.8million.
A total of 281,554 rounds of golf were played across the seven courses in 2024.
Neil Coulson, chief executive of St Andrews Links Trust, said: “These are a strong and stable set of results. As a public and charitable trust, we deliver economic, social and cultural benefit to Scotland while offering a unique, inclusive experience that resonates with people around the world.”
The trust said its profits will be reinvested back into its facilities. Plans include a £10.5million project to modernise irrigation systems across its courses and a renovation and extension of The Links Clubhouse.
The Open will return to the Old Course in 2027 for the 31st time in its history – more than any other venue.
Earlier this year, a trust report found the economic value of golf in St Andrews totalled £317million annually, supporting 4345 jobs across Scotland.
Last year it also developed the Old Course Reversed event, allowing golfers from across the world a limited opportunity to play the links in its original, clockwise direction. More than 10,000 golfers worldwide applied for a spot.
Sandra Tuddenham, chair of trustees at St Andrews Links, said: “St Andrews Links exists to serve the game, the town and the wider region.
“Our 2024 performance gives us the confidence to reinvest in what matters most – accessibility, innovation, sustainability and people. The surplus we generate supports our courses, our community and future generations of players.”
Previous winners of The Open at St Andrews have included Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Seve Ballesteros.
