The Championship provided a total economic impact of £87.3 million to Scotland – new money entering the economy – according to the study conducted by the University’s Sport Industry Research Centre (SIRC).
Independent research led by YouGov Sport also showed that £216 million of destination marketing benefit was delivered for Scotland as a result of it being broadcast worldwide through linear television and digital platforms.
The figures bring the total economic benefit generated by the ten stagings of The Open in Scotland since 2005 to £1.36 billion. More than two million fans have attended in that time, including 250,000 from overseas, while The R&A’s Kids go Free initiative has resulted in 230,000 young people under the age of 16 being able to access tickets at no cost.
Professor Simon Shibli, Head of the Sports Industry Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University said: “We were delighted to return to Royal Troon for the 152nd Open, following our initial economic impact study at the course in 2016. In the intervening years spectator numbers have increased significantly, as has their spending in South Ayrshire and Scotland more widely. It is hugely rewarding to see research insight being used effectively to maximise the economic benefit of The Open for its host communities."
Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&A, said: “Independent studies have proven that major championship golf delivers significant economic benefits to Scotland by driving tourism, showcasing the country to a global audience and generating income for local communities and businesses. The results produced by the 152nd Open at Royal Troon reinforce this, and we look forward to working with our partners in government over the next ten years to stage a number of outstanding major championships in Scotland.”
The Sport Industry Research Centre is based in the School of Sport and Physical Activity at Sheffield Hallam University.
