The 150th Open delivered £300m+ in economic benefit to Scotland

The 150th Open generated an eye-watering £300million in economic benefit for Scotland, it has been revealed.  

An independent study conducted by Sheffield Hallam University’s Sport Industry Research Centre (SIRC) and commissioned by the R&A, VisitScotland and Fife Council found that the historic championship, staged in St Andrews last summer, ploughed £106million of new money into Scotland.  

Independent research led by YouGov Sport also found that £201million of destination marketing benefit was contributed as a result of the championship being broadcast worldwide through linear television and digital platforms.  

• “It’s cheating!” – Spiranac demands slow play action

• Unvaccinated hopeful set to miss Chevron C’ship

The total economic benefit delivered last year is the highest in the history of the championship. 

Martin Slumbers, the chief executive of The R&A, said: “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. 

“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.”

Culture Minister Christina McKelvie added: “Scotland is the Home of Golf and this independent report confirms the significant benefit The 150th Open brought to our economy.

• Fellow PGA Tour pro defends Cantlay

• Chubby Chandler hits out at Rory McIlroy

“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.” 

The 150th Open attracted a championship record 290,000 fans to St Andrews, eclipsing the previous high mark of 239,000 set at the same venue in 2000.  

The study concluded that Fife alone had received a £61 million injection of new money as tens of thousands of visitors travelled to the region to attend the Championship. 

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor