The Open Championship 2025 brought Northern Ireland a record economic boost of £280 million, nearly doubling the 2019 impact.
Royal Portrush, opened in 1888, is one of the younger links courses in the UK. Hosting the Open Championship for the third time, the venue in the Causeway Coast and Glens region of County Antrim delivered a significant economic uplift, according to a study conducted by The R&A, Tourism Northern Ireland, and the Sports Industry Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University.
The study found that the local area of Causeway Coast and Glens saw a direct economic benefit of approximately £43.7 million. The global exposure of the prestigious major championship generated an estimated £191 million in destination marketing value through TV, online, and social media, based on data from YouGov. Compared to the 2019 edition, the 2025 figures represent nearly double the impact, with a 67% increase in regional economic benefit. This growth is attributed to higher visitor numbers and increased spending, with over half of attendees coming from outside Northern Ireland and many opting for commercial accommodations. Notably, 80% of spectators were attending The Open for the first time.
Economic impact of The Open 2025
Mark Darbon, CEO of The R&A, emphasized the tournament’s value: ‘As one of the world’s biggest sporting events, it boosts tourism, generates significant additional revenue for local businesses and communities, and attracts an international audience to see the world’s best golfers compete at top venues.’ Aine Kearney of Tourism Northern Ireland also expressed satisfaction with the 153rd edition of The Open, highlighting that bars, restaurants, and accommodations benefited from £89 million in direct economic impact. She noted that the event led to a ‘significant increase in hotel capacity in the region, which in turn creates jobs and enhances the visitor experience,’ while also strengthening local pride in hosting the championship.
Approximately 278,000 fans attended the 153rd Open Championship in County Antrim, which has a population of around 650,000. Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland and also located in Antrim, accounts for over 350,000 residents. The next Open Championship will be held at Royal Birkdale Golf Club from July 16–19, 2026, near Southport on England’s northwest coast between Blackpool and Liverpool.
Marketing through heritage and tradition
Sponsorship also plays a role in location marketing. Scottish whisky brand Loch Lomond, acquired by a Chinese investment firm in 2019, has been a sponsor of The Open since 2018. The partnership is rooted in shared values of origin, craftsmanship, tradition, and passion—qualities that define both golf and whisky in Britain, especially Scotland. Each year, Loch Lomond Distillery releases special whisky editions to commemorate The Open and celebrate its connection to the sport.