The benefits of golf events

Today (Thursday 22 August) marks the start of the final tournament of Scotland’s stellar summer of golf events as play gets underway at St Andrews Old Course for the AIG Women’s Open.??

Across the last seven weeks, the world’s best men’s and women’s golfers have descended on our finest courses as the country hosted five amazing golf events throughout July and August.?

At the first of our events, thousands lined the fairways at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick to see Robert MacIntyre become the first Scot since Colin Montgomerie in 1999 to win the national open, the Genesis Scottish Open.??

There were record crowds at Royal Troon the following week to watch Xander Schauffele emerge from the pack to win his second major of the year, claiming golfer of the year at The 152nd Open.??

KJ Choi then became the first South Korean to win a senior major championship at the Senior Open Presented by Rolex at Carnoustie, and last week Lauren Coughlin?won her second tournament within the month at the ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open at Dundonald Links in Ayrshire.?

As well as providing great entertainment, hosting these events brings huge economic and social benefits to both the regions they are held in and to the country.?

As the home of golf, Scotland is renowned for hosting the biggest golfing events, and with more than 550 golf courses across the country, these events provide the opportunity to showcase the country and all it has to offer to a global audience.??

When The Open was last held in Scotland in 2022, it generated more than ￡300 million in economic benefit for Scotland, including a total economic impact – new money entering the economy – of ￡106 million, and ￡201 million of destination marketing benefit from it being broadcast worldwide through linear television and digital platforms.???

The events also allow us to deliver activity across key policy agendas, including sustainability, which has been a key component across the events.?

The R&A’s Greenlinks programme for sustainable championships is embedded into the staging of both The 152nd Open and 2024 AIG Women’s Open. Through the Greenlinks programme the championships embrace low carbon technology, innovate toward a circular economy, champion social value, and promote nature.?

At the Genesis Scottish Open, the DP World Tour’s Golf for Good initiative was in full force, reflecting their commitment to being environmentally and socially sustainable, ensuring they have a positive long-term impact on the course, countries, and the communities they visit.?

The ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open has continued to build on its many accolades including being the first GEO Certified Tournament on the Ladies European Tour (LET) in recognition of the tournament’s leadership as a more sustainable golf event. The tournament, run by IMG and co-sanctioned by the LPGA and LET, takes a comprehensive approach to minimising adverse environmental impacts while maximising benefits to the community.?

Across all the tournaments initiatives have included water refill stations to reduce the use of plastic on site, locally sourced food, zero waste to landfill, fan engagement tools for offsetting GHG emissions, golf lessons for all ages, and nurturing future golfers through junior clinics and opportunities to play in Pro-Ams have all been in action this summer.??

Scotland is the perfect stage for events and golf events have the power to reach, influence, and inspire millions of people. Beyond the excitement and competition, they contributed both economically and socially, helping sustain communities, create jobs, and show all Scotland has to offer to the world.??

Our vision is for Scotland to be one of the most economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable event destinations in the world. As we continue to host world-class golf events, we are not only showcasing Scotland's natural beauty and rich heritage but also setting a global standard for sustainability in events and tourism while contributing to the country’s economic prosperity.?

After the final putt is made on Sunday afternoon on the famous 18th hole of St Andrews Old Course and the curtain comes down on another unbelievable summer of golf events in Scotland, we know we can look forward to welcoming golfers of all abilities from around the world to have their own experience of what this country has to offer.