Around one in ten adults on the island of Ireland play golf at least once a year, with the sport contributing €717 million annually directly to the economy as well as supporting 15,600 jobs, according to a new study from Golf Ireland.
The research, carried out in collaboration with global golf body the R&A, looks at the impact of golf across areas such as consumer spending, employment, gross value added, and tax revenue.
Conducted in 2023, it found the €717 million figure marked significant growth fuelled by increased participation, strong club membership, and a recovery in golf tourism following the Covid-19 pandemic.
The study says that consumer spending from the sport reached €703 million (€509m in ROI and £170m in NI) in 2023, averaging €100 per head of population.
It suggests that €1 in every €200 spent in the economy on the island is related to golf.
It also notes that club memberships alone accounted for €143 million, or 20% of all golf expenditure.
Meanwhile, it estimates that golf generates over €277 million annually in taxes from consumption, income, and corporate profits.
Golf Ireland Chief Executive Mark Kennelly said the findings “highlight golf’s major economic role here, underscoring our sport’s ability to drive growth and create employment across Ireland.
“Through initiatives like Get into Golf, Unleash Your Drive, and iGolf, we are actively working to make golf more accessible and inclusive, ensuring its continued appeal.”
Mr Kennelly added that the organisation is “particularly encouraged” by the growth in golf tourism and event attendance on the island of Ireland.
£100m boost from 2019 Open Championship
Golf Ireland, which is the sport’s governing body for the island of Ireland, says the return of The Open Championship to Royal Portrush next month will provide a significant economic boost.
Research from the Sport Industry Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University (which also conducted the latest Golf Ireland study), determined that the 2019 Open held at Royal Portrush in 2019 generated more than £100 million for the economy in the North.
While estimates suggest the hosting of the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in Limerick could contribute more than double that figure to the Irish economy.
Opportunity to grow female participation in golf
The Golf Ireland report further identifies opportunities for future growth by encouraging higher female participation, investment in infrastructure, and leveraging Ireland’s international reputation as a world class golfing destination.
Director of the Sport Industry Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Professor Simon Shibli said golf in Ireland “is an industry that has grown impressively since our 2017 study, based on 2014 data.
“The fundamentals are in place for future growth in economic impact, notably in the form of invisible exports from visitors coming to play or to watch golf.”
