The R&A has agreed to a new 11-year partnership with the Scottish Government and VisitScotland for staging major golf championships in Scotland.
The R&A, the Scottish Government and VisitScotland will contribute a combined $14 million towards staging The Open, AIG Women’s Open and the Senior Open in Scotland between 2024 and 2034.
The investment in the championships “will drive tourism and showcase Scotland as a world-class stage for major events, as well as delivering significant economic and social benefits to the country and the host regions”, The R&A said.
A total of 14 championships will be held in Scotland across various venues during the term of the partnership.
The announcement coincides with the results of an independent study commissioned by The R&A which show that The 152nd Open at Royal Troon – attended by a record-breaking 258,174 fans in July – generated almost $400 million in total economic benefit for Scotland.
The Championship provided a total economic impact of $110 million to Scotland, according to the study conducted by Sheffield Hallam University’s Sport Industry Research Centre (SIRC).
Independent research led by YouGov Sport also showed that $280 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 10 stagings of The Open in Scotland since 2005 to $1.76 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.
As well as bringing economic benefits and global profile to Scotland, The R&A said that the agreement will also “help drive positive social impacts for 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.”
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland looks on from the 18th green on day one of The 152nd Open championship at Royal Troon on July 18, 2024, in Troon, Scotland. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)
Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&A, said: “The partnership with the Scottish Government and VisitScotland ensures continuing support for staging our championships at renowned venues around the country, reinforcing Scotland’s international…
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