The R&A agrees to stage golf championships in Scotland until 2034

The R&A has agreed to a new 11-year partnership with the Scottish Government and VisitScotland, which will contribute a combined £11 million towards staging The Open, AIG Women’s Open and the Senior Open in Scotland between 2024-2034.

The investment in the golf championships will drive tourism, showcase Scotland as a world-class stage for major events, and deliver significant economic and social benefits to the country and the host regions. 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 152^nd Open at Royal Troon – attended by a record-breaking 258,174 fans in July – generated more than £303.3 million in total economic benefit for Scotland. 

The Championship provided a total economic impact of £87.3 million to Scotland – new money entering the economy – according to the study conducted by Sheffield Hallam University’s Sport Industry Research Centre (SIRC). Independent research led by YouGov Sport also showed that £216 million of destination marketing benefit was delivered for Scotland as a result of it being broadcast worldwide through linear television and digital platforms. These new figures bring the total economic benefit generated by the ten stagings of The Open in Scotland since 2005 to £1.36 billion. More than two million fans have attended in that time, including 250,000 from overseas. At the same time, 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 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.The R&A’s Greenlinks initiative, introduced in 2017, puts sustainability at the centre of championship staging, including a focus on low carbon by monitoring and reducing emissions; a circular economy by considering material sourcing and moving to circular use; protecting nature through reducing disturbance and enhancing the national environment; and increasing social value by delivering positive benefits for individuals and communities through golf participation, volunteering and health initiatives.  

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 reputation as the home of golf and for providing a world-class stage for hosting major sporting events.  “Independent studies have proven that major championship golf delivers 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 152^nd Open at Royal Troon reinforce this and we look forward to working with our partners in government over the next 11 years to stage a number of outstanding major championships in Scotland.”

Rob Dickson, VisitScotland’s director of industry and events, said: “Golf events have a significant economic and social impact in Scotland. As part of the country’s diverse portfolio of sporting and cultural events, they showcase Scotland’s natural beauty and world-class golfing heritage to a worldwide audience while supporting the economy by driving visitor numbers and creating jobs. “The partnership with The R&A and Scottish Government to secure this pipeline of major championships over 11 years, will reinforce Scotland’s position as a world-leading tourism and events destination.”  

Image credit: The R&A