The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush has delivered a landmark economic windfall for Northern Ireland, generating more than £280 million in total benefit, according to independent research commissioned by The R&A and Tourism Northern Ireland.
An economic impact study conducted by the Sports Industry Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University confirmed that staging the Championship produced £89.2 million in direct economic impact for Northern Ireland, with £43.7 million specifically benefiting the Causeway Coast and Glens.
Beyond in-person spending, global exposure through international broadcast, digital platforms, and online media contributed an additional £191 million in destination marketing value, based on research by YouGov.
The return of The Open to the iconic Causeway Coast drew a record-breaking 278,000 spectators, making it the largest Championship ever held outside of St Andrews and the biggest sporting event in Northern Ireland’s history, surpassing the 2019 total of 237,750.
R&A Chief Executive Mark Darbon praised the Championship’s impact, stating:
“This remarkable economic benefit of more than £280 million demonstrates the huge value The Open brings to the regions that host it. As one of the world’s great sporting events, it drives tourism, boosts local businesses and communities, and brings an international spotlight to world-class venues. Royal Portrush delivered a spectacular atmosphere, fuelled by passionate fans and elevated by the performances of top players, including home favourite Rory McIlroy and Champion Golfer Scottie Scheffler.”
The 2025 figures reflect a dramatic rise compared to 2019, nearly double the overall impact for Northern Ireland (£45 million in 2019) and a 67% increase for the Causeway Coast and Glens (£26.2 million in 2019). The growth is attributed to higher attendance, increased daily spectator spending, and more visitors choosing commercial accommodation.
A significant 59.5% of attendees travelled from outside Northern Ireland, with strong representation from England (17.3%), the Republic of Ireland (16.7%), and the United States (12.3%). Most spectators (62%) and a substantial 77% of international visitors were experiencing The Open for the first time.
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald hailed the Championship’s transformative effect:
“This unprecedented £280 million benefit showcases the importance of hosting global events. The 153rd Open was a resounding success that strengthened our international reputation, created new tourism opportunities, and boosted local businesses. We look forward to welcoming The R&A back for the next chapter.”
Tourism Northern Ireland Chair Ellvena Graham highlighted the wider ripple effect across the region.
“Golf tourism is a powerful economic driver, and these results prove it. Around 67% of spectators extended their stay to explore more of Northern Ireland, contributing to local communities and experiencing our Giant Spirit welcome. Alongside the £280 million impact, marketing efforts by Tourism NI and Tourism Ireland delivered an additional £12.1 million in PR value. This event has elevated Northern Ireland’s position on the world stage.”
The 153rd Open stands as a milestone moment for Northern Ireland, one that sets a new global benchmark for hosting major championships and reinforces the country’s reputation as a world-class destination for golf and tourism.
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, said, “As a Council, we are delighted to hear that Northern Ireland has benefitted from over £280 million as a result of The 153rd Open.
“Causeway Coast and Glens is an area of world-class appeal, and we were pleased to host The Open this year for the second time.
“It’s clear that the improvements we worked on with key partners, including The R&A, Royal Portrush, and Tourism NI for 2025, have made a big difference; this is evident when you look at both the physical numbers who attended and also the revenue generated.
“Hosting this world-class sporting event has enabled us to showcase the beauty of Causeway Coast and Glens to the world; we know that as a result, more people will come to enjoy everything our Council area has to offer, from links golf courses, world-class food outlets and accommodation to interesting experiences and unrivalled scenery.
“Thank you to everyone who came together to make The 153rd Open a fantastic success.”
Sheffield Hallam University
Robbie Millar and Professor Girish Ramchandan, said, “It was a pleasure to return to Royal Portrush for The 153rd Open following our economic impact research at the iconic venue in 2019. The substantial increase in the volume of spectators, coupled with better access to commercial accommodation in and around Causeway Coast and Glens, has contributed to a surge in the economic impact delivered in 2025. It is clear that the investment in infrastructure has had a positive effect in taking advantage of the opportunity that hosting The Open presents to stimulate the local and national economy.
“Our findings demonstrate that most spectators who travelled to The Open from outside of Northern Ireland extended their stay beyond attending the golf to enjoy the wider tourism offer. A significant number of visitors to Northern Ireland reported they would like to return for a holiday and to play golf, which is a testament to the pull of The Open and its potential to drive long-term economic benefits for host communities.”
