Golf Business News – IR&A to receive £11m from Scottish Government to support major tournaments

The IR&A has agreed a new long-term partnership with the Scottish Government and VisitScotland which will contribute a total of £11 million to the Open, AIG Women's Open and Senior Open in Scotland between 2024-2034.

Investment in the tournaments will boost tourism and promote Scotland as a world-class stage for major events, as well as delivering significant economic and social benefits to the host country and regions. A total of 14 tournaments will be held in Scotland at various venues during the partnership.

The announcement coincides with the results of independent research commissioned by the R&A which shows that the 152nd Open at Royal Troon – attended by a record 258,174 fans in July – generated more than £303.3 million in economic benefits for Scotland.

The Championship gave Scotland a total economic impact of £87.3 million – new money flowing into the economy – according to a study by the Sport Industry Research Center (SIRC) of Sheffield Hallam University. Independent research led by YouGov Sport also showed that £216 million of local marketing revenue was brought to Scotland as a result of it being broadcast globally via television and digital platforms.

Today's figures bring the total economic benefit generated by the ten stages of The Open in Scotland since 2005 to £1.36 billion. More than two million fans were in attendance, including 250,000 from overseas, and the R&A's Kids go Free scheme resulted in 230,000 young people under the age of 16 being able to get free tickets.

As well as bringing economic benefits and a global profile to Scotland, this agreement will also help to drive positive social impacts in the country through the delivery of inclusive and responsible events, which are key priority areas outlined in the national events strategy: Scotland the Perfect Stage 2024 -2035.

The R&A's Greenlinks programme, launched in 2017, puts sustainability at the center of the competition, including a focus on low carbon by monitoring and reducing emissions; circular economy by looking at material availability and moving to circular consumption; protecting the environment by reducing disturbance and improving the national environment; and increasing community value by bringing positive benefits to individuals and communities through golf participation, volunteerism and health initiatives.

Martin Slumbers, CEO of the R&A, said: “Partnering with the Scottish Government and VisitScotland ensures continued support for hosting our tournaments at iconic venues across the country, strengthening Scotland's international reputation as the home of golf and providing a world-class venue. by hosting major sporting events.

“Independent studies have proven that major tournament golf brings 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 are proof of this and we look forward to working with our government partners over the next decade to create more outstanding tournaments in Scotland.”

Richard Lochhead, Scottish Business Minister, said: “Golf is linked to Scotland's identity, economy and global reputation. The deal ensures that some of the world's most prestigious golf events are held in Scotland until at least 2034.

“The R&A tournaments bring in thousands of visitors wherever they are hosted. Research shows that the most recent Open, held in Troon, brought millions of pounds into the local economy, providing a transformative boost to businesses and communities. Therefore, it is important that we continue to grow Scotland's reputation as the home of golf in order to secure the significant economic impact associated with these tournaments.

“And these events showcase Scotland to the world, highlighting the diversity and quality of sport that Scotland has to offer.”

Rob Dickson, VisitScotland's Industry and Events Director, said, “Golf events have a huge economic and social impact on Scotland. As part of the country's diverse portfolio of sports and culture, they showcase Scotland's natural beauty and world-class golfing heritage to a global audience while supporting the economy by driving visitor numbers and creating jobs.

“Partnering with the R&A and the Scottish Government to secure this pipeline of major tournaments for 11 years, will strengthen Scotland's position as a leading tourism and events destination in the world.”