The economic powerhouse of Irish golf takes centre stage in this bonus podcast episode with the leaders behind a groundbreaking new economic impact study.
What does a sport contribute when it delivers €717 million annually to the economy, supports 15,600 jobs, and returns seventeen times more to government coffers than it receives?
Professor Simon Shibli from Sheffield Hallam University breaks down the meticulous six-month research process that uncovered what he calls “the holy trinity” of economic indicators. His findings show golf represents 14% of all sport-related consumer spending in Ireland, with approximately €1 in every €200 of discretionary spending somehow connected to the sport. The contribution is so substantial that golf’s economic impact is measurable within the context of the entire Irish economy, not just the sporting sector.
Perhaps most striking is the phenomenal growth trajectory, with participation increasing 86% over nine years. Mark Kennelly, CEO of Golf Ireland, explains how this growth spans both traditional club memberships and newer, more accessible formats of the game. With 22% of non-golfers expressing interest in trying the sport, representing a potential audience of over one million people, the ceiling for further growth appears to be limitless.
The conversation extends beyond participation numbers, with Robert Oxley from the R&A discussing the upcoming Open Championship at Royal Portrush, one of many prestigious events coming to Irish shores, and tantalising hints about future Open Championships potentially being held in the Republic of Ireland.
Whether you’re a golf enthusiast, business leader, or policymaker, this episode provides evidence of how a single sport can drive significant economic activity while simultaneously delivering health, social, and community benefits. Listen now to understand why golf might just be Ireland’s most valuable sporting asset.
Sport for Business The Business of Golf 2025
A series of conversations about the Business of Golf ahead of the KPMG Women’s Irish Open at Carton House, the Open Championship at Royal Portrush, the Amgen Irish Open at the K Club and so much more.
Find out More about Our Sport for Business Events Programme Here
The Latest Sport for Business Podcasts
Further Reading for Sport for Business members:
Check out more of our Sport for Business coverage of Olympics
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
Sport for Business is in planning for major events bringing together leaders in Irish Sport and Business across a range of subjects in the second half of the year.
On Thursday, August 29th we will host a special event looking at Future Proofing Irish Sport including the use of AI in sport.
Find out More about Our Sport for Business Events Programme Here
MEMBERSHIP AND EVENTS
Golf Ireland, KPMG, AIG, Forefront Sports, Carton House, the DP World Tour, Pitch, Sigmoid Golf, Carr Golf, as well as all the leading sporting and business organisations in and around the world of sport are among the 300+ members of the Sport for Business community.
This includes all of the leading sports and sponsors, as well as commercial and state agencies, individuals interested in our world, and an increasing number from beyond these shores taking a keen interest in Ireland.
Find out more about becoming a member today.
Get the full benefit of a Sport for Business membership by joining us at one of our upcoming events, where sporting and business leadership come together.
Or sign up for our twice-daily bulletins to get a flavour of the material we cover.
Sign up for our News Bulletins here.
