The event provided a total economic impact of £89.2 million (€99.7m) to Northern Ireland (up from £45m or €51.1m in 2019), according to an economic impact study conducted by the Sports Industry Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University. Of this, £43.7m (€49.6m) was specifically within Causeway Coast and Glens.
According to research by YouGov, global exposure of the Championship — through linear television, digital platforms and online media – produced £191 million (€217.1m) in destination marketing benefit compared to £37.3 million (€42.4m) in 2019.
The Open’s return to the Causeway Coast attracted a record-breaking attendance of 278,000 – the largest for a Championship held outside of St Andrews – surpassing the previous high mark of 237,750 set in 2019.
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.
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; Aine Kearney, Director of Events at Tourism NI
“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.”
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) and growth of 67pc for Causeway Coast and Glens (2019: £26.2 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.
More than half of those who attended The 153rd Open (59.5pc) travelled from outside of Northern Ireland, including England (17.3pc), the Republic of Ireland (16.7pc) and the USA (12.3pc). Most fans (62pc), particularly those from outside Northern Ireland (77pc), were attending The Open for the first time.
Ellvena Graham, Chair of Tourism Northern Ireland, said that marketing and communication activity undertaken by Tourism NI and Tourism Ireland delivered an additional £12.1 million (€13.7m) in PR value.
