Return of The Open to Northern Ireland ‘a resounding success’

With 278,000 golf fans having descended on the North Coast for the week-long Championship, John McGrillen, CEO of Tourism NI, said the opportunities and impact associated with hosting such a global sporting event “cannot be underestimated”.

Images from Royal Portrush were beamed around the world to around 100 million viewers in over 190 counties with Northern Ireland’s world class golf and tourism offering taking centre stage.

There were jubilant scenes on the historic links course at the weekend when American golfer Scottie Scheffler lifted the Claret Jug after finishing top of the leaderboard.

The Open was organised by The R&A, with the support of a range of local partners, including Tourism NI, Royal Portrush Golf Club, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, the emergency services and a host of Northern Ireland government departments.

It is estimated that the economic and media benefit from hosting the major will exceed £213 million.

John McGrillen, CEO of Tourism Northern Ireland, said the region could bask in the glory of once again hosting an “outstanding Championship”.

“The exposure created during this incredible week of golf is invaluable for the entire region,” he said.

“From the thousands of people who visited Royal Portrush to see the action first-hand to the millions who watched the television coverage, Northern Ireland has without doubt been showcased as a must-see golf and tourism destination.

“Opportunities to stage major events such as this cannot be under-estimated and the chance to host The Open, not just once, but twice in the past six years is a remarkable achievement for the region.

“We know that this Championship has not only been a success in terms of tourism and economic benefits, but that the warm welcome people from around the world received means it will not be the last time they visit Northern Ireland.”

Mark Darbon, Chief Executive of The R&A, said: “The Open’s return to Northern Ireland has been a resounding success and we wish to thank the near 280,000 fans who created such a special atmosphere at Royal Portrush.

“I know that many of the players have thoroughly enjoyed the passion and warm support shown by them all.

“There are many people who have also played a significant role in the staging of The Open.

“The support provided to us by our partners in Tourism Northern Ireland and the local agencies has been vital throughout the planning and preparations for the Championship and we wish to sincerely thank them.

“We know that they will be incredibly proud of Northern Ireland, which has once again shown that it is a world-class destination for major championship golf.”

Professor Simon Shibli from the Sport Industry Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University, which assesses the impact of The Open on behalf of The R&A, said the Championship had showcased both the region’s world class golf offering and wide-ranging visitor attractions.

“A considerable proportion of the visitors to The 153^rd Open also explored many of the region’s other golf courses and tourist attractions, staying longer and spending more, amplifying the economic impact,” he said.

“Many visitors also said they would highly recommend their tourism experience in the region and plan to return, showcasing the long-term economic legacy benefits.”

He added: “Local spectators also reported significant civic pride benefits, feeling it brought their local community closer together and made a positive difference to how they feel about where they live”.