The return of The Open Championship to Royal Portrush this July is poised to bring a significant economic boost to Northern Ireland, with tourism and hospitality leaders anticipating an even greater impact than the last time the event was held there in 2019.
Tourism Northern Ireland Chief Executive John McGrillen has predicted the 153rd Open will generate over £120 million for the local economy, surpassing the £110 million benefit from the 2019 championship. The prestigious golf tournament, scheduled for 13–20 July, is expected to be the second-best attended Open in history, with nearly 280,000 tickets sold—months before Northern Ireland’s own Rory McIlroy claimed a dramatic Masters victory at Augusta in April.
“The Open is not just about one week,” McGrillen said. “It’s a platform to showcase Northern Ireland as a world-class tourist and golf destination.”
The economic benefit is not limited to the Causeway Coast. Businesses across Northern Ireland, from Belfast to Co Down, are preparing to welcome an influx of golf fans, particularly from the United States. According to McGrillen, US visitors are expected in greater numbers than at previous Opens in Scotland, owing to Ireland’s strong appeal to American tourists.
“Golfers spend about four times more than the average leisure visitor, which makes them incredibly valuable for our economy,” he said.
Efforts have been made to ensure local businesses can capitalise on the opportunity. Tourism NI has worked closely with the R&A and local councils to encourage hospitality providers to use local produce and adapt their opening hours to accommodate tournament schedules. A new initiative this year will also allow fans to leave the course during the day to explore local towns and return later, creating further opportunities for local businesses.
Niall McKenna, a prominent Belfast restaurateur, described the 2019 Open as a “shot in the arm” for the hospitality sector. “It was like having another Christmas that week,” he said. “Events like this change the whole dynamic of Belfast and Northern Ireland. We need more of them.”
Meanwhile, golf clubs across the region are also preparing for increased traffic. Paul Vaughan, Director of Golf at Ardglass Golf Club in Co Down, recalled having to turn away visitors in 2019 due to overwhelming demand. “It was the first time I’d ever experienced that at Ardglass,” he said. “Golf in Ireland is flying—and long may it continue.”
The Open returns to Portrush from 13 to 20 July, with widespread optimism that its legacy will extend far beyond the 18th hole.
