Rory McIlroy is inspiring the next generation of golfers and has proven to be a winner in golf tourism.
We will explore the inbound side of that at our second annual Sports Tourism Conference with the University of Limerick on April 29th, two weeks from now.
Fáilte Ireland estimates that around 200,000 overseas visitors a year travel to Ireland to play golf and spend around three times the amount spent by a regular tourist.
That makes up a €300 million boost to the overall Irish economy.
Hosting the Open Championship at Royal Portrush this year, with the potential of Rory McIlroy adding another major will add even more. It is estimated that the size and scale of the Open is worth ten times what the Amgen Irish Open delivers annually.
An estimated 250,000 are expected to attend the week of sport on the Causeway Coast in July.
On the outbound side, according to package holiday specialists, On the Beach, the four days of competition at the 89th Masters at Augusta National saw bookings to golf resorts departing from Ireland up 50%, with Spain’s Costa del Sol and Portugal’s Algarve among the favourite destinations.
Quinta da Lago has been owned by Denis O’Brien for over 25 years and is consistently one of the most popular outbound destinations for high-end Irish golfers.
“This is another huge boost for Irish golf at a time when the country is about to host a series of global golf events,” said Golf Ireland CEO Mark Kennelly.
“Rory will hope to make more history at The Open when it returns to Royal Portrush in July, while we also host the Walker Cup in Lahinch next year and then the Ryder Cup in Adare Manor in 2027.
“Witnessing history like Rory’s win at Augusta will help Golf Ireland in our plans to capitalise on the excitement generated by these events.
“Rory’s Grand Slam success will hopefully help to grow golf participation across the island.”
Further Reading for Sport for Business members:
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
You only have to look at the numbers teeing up in driving ranges across the country yesterday and last night to realise just what an impact Sunday night has had and will continue to have on the sport.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
The Open Championship at Royal Portrush will take place from July 17th to 20th.
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