Golf events ‘help local economies’
22nd January, 2012 by Emma Williams
An increasing trend for revealing the economic impact of golf events is demonstrating how much European Tour tournaments benefit local economies in the United Kingdom.
Two days ago, the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), the Scottish government’s economic and community development agency, reported that last year’s Barclays Scottish Open at Castle Stuart Golf Links contributed more than £5 million to the Scottish economy – even though it was cut short by 18 holes due to thunder storms.
The HIE study found that £3.7 million was spent in the golf club’s catchment area of Inverness and Nairn, mainly on overnight accommodation and food and drink. A further £370,000 was spent elsewhere in the Highlands and Islands while the rest was spent in other parts of Scotland.
About 43,000 people attended the event, won by world number one Luke Donald, over the three days when play took place, and a further 8,000 people attended a pro-am event that took place during the same week at the golf club.
The new data comes on the back of a study revealed a few weeks ago by The R&A which, in conjunction with Sheffield Hallam University, found that the 2011 Open Championship at Royal St George’s was worth £77 million to Kent’s economy – with more than £50 million of that from television exposure to a worldwide audience of nearly 500 million homes.
Last year IFM Sports Marketing Surveys also found that the 2010 Ryder Cup in Celtic Manor was worth £82.4 million to the Welsh economy, while the Wales Open, held at the same venue, is worth £1.5 million to the local economy.
Meanwhile, Askernish Golf Club in the Outer Hebrides recently found that last August’s Askernish Open brought in £18,000 for the local economy – more than half the tourist income the South Uist island brings in throughout an entire year.
“The Open in Kent boosted the profile of the area nationally and internationally, which has helped in our efforts to secure inward investment, tourism and jobs,” said Kent County Council leader Paul Carter.
VisitScotland regional director Scott Armstrong added: “The Scottish Open brought thousands of visitors to the area last summer, and provided a real boost to the local economy.
“Some accommodation providers were fully booked and VisitScotland worked closely with local tourism businesses to maximise the benefits of hosting this world class event.”
