Partnership agreed to host Major Championships in Scotland
World-class staging
Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&Asaid: “The partnership with the Scottish Government and VisitScotland ensures continued support for the staging of our championships at prestigious venues across the country, strengthening Scotland’s international reputation as the home of golf and providing a world-class stage for hosting major sporting events.”
“Independent research has shown that major championship golf courses deliver significant economic benefits to Scotland by boosting tourism, showcasing the country to a global audience and generating revenue for local communities and businesses. The results of The 152nd Open at Royal Troon underlines this and we look forward to working with our government partners to deliver a series of outstanding major championships in Scotland over the next 11 years.”
Business Secretary Richard Lochhead, said: “Golf is deeply linked to Scotland’s identity, economy and global reputation. This agreement ensures that some of the world’s most prestigious golf events will take place in Scotland until at least 2034.
“The R&A Championships bring thousands of visitors wherever they are held. Research shows the recent Open held in Troon brought millions of pounds into the local economy and provided a transformational boost to businesses and communities. It is therefore vital that we continue to maximize Scotland’s reputation as the home of golf to ensure the significant economic impact associated with these championships.
“And these events showcase Scotland on the world stage and highlight the diverse landscape and sporting excellence that Scotland has to offer.”
Rob Dickson, VisitScotland Director of Industry and Events, said: “Golf events have a significant economic and social impact in Scotland. As part of the country’s diverse portfolio of sporting and cultural events, they showcase Scotland’s natural beauty and world-class golfing heritage to a global audience, while supporting the economy by increasing visitor numbers and creating jobs.
“Partnering with The R&A and the Scottish Government to secure this pipeline of major championships over 11 years will strengthen Scotland’s position as a world-leading tourism and events destination.”
Director of Sport Industry Research at Sheffield Hallam University, Professor Simon Shibli, said: “We were delighted to return to Royal Troon for the 152nd Open, having carried out our first study into the course’s economic impact in 2016. In recent years, audience numbers have increased significantly, as has their spending in South Ayrshire and wider Scotland.” It is extremely pleasing to see how research findings are being used effectively to maximize the economic benefits of The Open for its host communities. “
International visitors
The Economic Impact Study for The 152nd Open at Royal Troon concluded that Ayrshire alone received a new cash injection of £43.8 million as tens of thousands of visitors traveled to the region to take part in the championship.
Over half of the spectators who attended The Open (51.1%) traveled from outside Scotland. Almost 10 percent of the audience came from the United States of America. Around 61% of viewers from outside Ayrshire expected to return to South Ayrshire for a short break next year. 66% of UK residents living outside Scotland expect to visit South Ayrshire again next year. The corresponding figure for visitors from abroad was 56%.
Before this year, 68% of spectators surveyed had attended at least one Open, while 55% had attended an Open since 2012.
