The Open at St Andrews achieves historic economic landmark for Scotland
A study run by the R&A has found the 150th Open Championship at St Andrews generated over £300 million in economic benefit for Scotland.
The event brought a total economic impact of £106 million for the country according to Sheffield Hallam University’s Sport Industry Research Centre.
Research conducted by YouGov shows Scotland received £201 million in destination marketing benefits.
290,000 fans flocked to the home of golf in July 2022 which surpassed the previous high mark of 239,000 at the famous links in 2000.
62.3% of spectators travelled from outside of Scotland. 31% came from elsewhere in the UK and 19.2% came from America. 76% of fans from overseas were making their first-ever trip to the Open.
Over half of these fans expressed an interest in their desire to attend one of the next three Opens at Royal Liverpool, Royal Troon, and Royal Portrush.
“The 150th Open was a historic occasion for golf which has generated a substantial economic benefit for Scotland thanks to a record-breaking attendance at St Andrews and tens of millions of fans worldwide who watched the Championship broadcast,” R&A CEO Martin Slumbers said.
“We enjoyed a hugely memorable week in which we welcomed tens of thousands of visitors to the home of golf for perhaps the most eagerly anticipated Open of all time that certainly lived up to its billing.
“We would like to thank all of our partners for their support and commitment to staging a world-class event.”
“Scotland is the Home of Golf and this independent report confirms the significant benefit The 150th Open brought to our economy,” Culture Minister Christina McKelvie said.
“The Scottish Government has a long-standing track record of supporting golf events, including direct support for the annual men’s and women’s Scottish Open.
“Last year was an unprecedented success for golf events in Scotland, headlined by The 150th Open at St Andrews.”
Matt Chivers
Now on the wrong side of 25, Matt has been playing golf since the age of 13 and was largely inspired to take up the game by countless family members who played golf during his childhood.
Matt is a member at Royal Cinque Ports in Deal playing off a 5 handicap, just a pitching wedge away from his hometown of Dover where he went to school and grew up. He has previously been a member at Etchinghill and Walmer and Kingsdown in Kent.
Having studied history at the University of Liverpool, Matt went on to pass his NCTJ Exams in Manchester a year later to fulfil his lifelong ambition of becoming a journalist. He picked up work experience along the way at places such as the Racing Post, the Independent, Sportsbeat and the Lancashire Evening Post.
Matt joined NCG in February 2023 and is the website’s main source of tour news, features and opinion. He has reported live from events such as The Open, the Ryder Cup and The Players Championship, having also interviewed and spent time with some of the biggest names in the sport.
Consuming tour golf on what is a 24/7 basis, you can come to Matt for informed views on the game and the latest updates on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA Tour, Ladies European Tour and LIV Golf.
What’s in Matt’s bag: Cobra LTDx LS driver, Cobra LTDx 3-wood, TaylorMade P7MC irons, Ping Glide 4.0 wedges, Odyssey putter.
