{"id":1254374,"date":"2024-10-28T10:59:26","date_gmt":"2024-10-28T10:59:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/?p=1254374"},"modified":"2024-10-28T10:59:26","modified_gmt":"2024-10-28T10:59:26","slug":"ra-secures-new-partnership-to-host-major-championships-in-scotland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/ra-secures-new-partnership-to-host-major-championships-in-scotland\/","title":{"rendered":"R&A secures new partnership to host Major Championships in Scotland"},"content":{"rendered":"

Scotland\u2019s reputation as the home of golf just got a major boost. The R&A, alongside the Scottish Government and VisitScotland, has announced a groundbreaking 11-year partnership that will bring top-tier golfing championships to Scottish soil through 2034.<\/p>\n

This partnership, worth \u00a311 million, will go toward staging The Open, AIG Women\u2019s Open, and the Senior Open for the next decade \u2014 a move poised to attract visitors from around the globe and deliver far-reaching economic and social benefits.<\/p>\n

In total, 14 championships will be staged across Scotland, each promising an experience that celebrates not only the sport but also the natural beauty and vibrancy of Scotland\u2019s landscapes and communities.<\/p>\n

This agreement arrives on the heels of a study commissioned by The R&A, which reveals the massive impact of the 152nd Open<\/a><\/strong><\/span> held at Royal Troon in July. Drawing a record-breaking crowd of 258,174, the championship generated an impressive \u00a3303.3 million in economic benefits for Scotland.<\/p>\n

\"The
The 152nd Open at Royal Troon, attended by a record-breaking 258,174 fans in July, generated over \u00a3303.3 million in total economic benefit for Scotland. (Image courtesy of the R&A)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The direct economic impact \u2014 new money entering the local economy \u2014 amounted to \u00a387.3 million according to the study conducted by Sheffield Hallam University\u2019s Sport Industry Research Centre (SIRC), while independent research led by YouGov Sport showed broadcast coverage brought an additional \u00a3216 million in destination marketing value.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe partnership with the Scottish Government and VisitScotland ensures continuing support for staging our championships at renowned venues around the country, reinforcing Scotland\u2019s international reputation as the home of golf and for providing a world-class stage for hosting major sporting events,\u201d said Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&A.<\/p>\n

He added, \u201cIndependent 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

This impact reaches well beyond economic metrics. The R&A\u2019s Greenlinks initiative<\/a><\/strong><\/span>, introduced in 2017, aligns the championships with sustainability goals.<\/p>\n

Emphasis on low carbon emissions, a circular economy, protecting nature through reducing disturbance and enhancing the national environment, and social benefits like increased golf participation and volunteer programmes demonstrate a commitment to responsible event hosting. This focus complements Scotland\u2019s national events strategy, Scotland the Perfect Stage 2024-2035, which prioritises inclusive and impactful experiences.<\/p>\n

Minister for Business, Richard Lochhead, emphasised golf\u2019s integral role in Scotland\u2019s identity, calling the agreement \u201cvital\u201d for maximising the country\u2019s global reputation. \u201cGolf is intertwined with Scotland\u2019s identity, economy, and global reputation. This agreement ensures some of the world\u2019s most prestigious golfing events are hosted in Scotland until at least 2034,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\"Xander
Ayrshire saw \u00a343.8 million in economic benefit as a result of The 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst\/R&A\/R&A via Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The legacy of these championships is already apparent, with today\u2019s figures bringing the total economic benefit generated by the ten stagings of The Open in Scotland since 2005 to \u00a31.36 billion.<\/p>\n

Over the past decade, Scotland has welcomed over two million fans to The Open alone, including 250,000 international visitors. The R&A\u2019s commitment to accessibility through initiatives like Kids Go Free has also made the sport more inclusive, with 230,000 youth tickets issued at no cost since 2005.<\/p>\n

The numbers from Royal Troon alone underscore the partnership\u2019s significance: Ayrshire saw \u00a343.8 million in economic benefit, thanks to a steady flow of visitors. Over half of the Open spectators travelled from outside Scotland, with nearly ten per cent of visitors travelling from the US. Many of these, both overseas and those outside of Scotland expressed an intent to return.<\/p>\n

Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events at VisitScotland, emphasised the importance of these events in driving tourism and creating jobs, saying, \u201cAs part of the country\u2019s diverse portfolio of sporting and cultural events, they showcase Scotland\u2019s natural beauty and world-class golfing heritage to a worldwide audience.\u201d<\/p>\n

Professor Simon Shibli, from Sheffield Hallam University\u2019s Sport Industry Research Centre, remarked on the increasing spectator numbers and their positive economic ripple effects, noting, \u201cIt is hugely rewarding to see research insight being used effectively to maximise the economic benefit of The Open for its host communities.\u201d<\/p>\n

With each new championship, Scotland’s influence in the world of golf grows, creating a legacy that celebrates both the sport\u2019s rich history and promising future, all the while providing an economic benefit to the country.<\/p>\n