Golf events in Great Britain and Ireland have seen a huge surge in attendance in 2023, thanks to the Scottish Opens and other tournaments. The DP World Tour has reported a 43% increase in ticket revenues compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. For instance, the Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club in East Lothian saw a whopping 117% increase in ticket revenues in 2023 compared to 2019, with a total of 72,517 spectators attending the tournament, marking a 5% increase from 2022. The Open has also seen record attendances at every venue since 2017, with all editions of the Claret Jug event sold out since 2019. The 151st Open at Royal Liverpool in July attracted 261,180 spectators, a 30% increase from 2014. The AIG Women’s Open at Walton Heath also experienced a significant rise in attendance, with 51,000 spectators attending, up from 33,303 in 2022. The Ladies European Tour has also witnessed an increase in spectator numbers, with the FREED GROUP Women’s Scottish Open drawing 10,000 spectators, similar to 2022. This surge in attendance follows the continued rise in the number of people playing golf in Great Britain and Ireland. Data from The R&A shows that golf participation has increased by 50%, from 3.7 million adult golfers in 2019 to 5.6 million in 2022. DP World Tour chief executive Keith Pelley expressed his excitement about the growing popularity of golf, noting that the sport is attracting a more diverse following. Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&A, emphasized the success of The Open and AIG Women’s Open, attributing it to a more targeted approach to marketing and ticketing. Both executives highlighted the efforts to enhance the spectator experience and appeal to people of all ages, particularly families and young people, while providing entertainment and value for money.
Golf Fever: The Surging Popularity of Golf Events in Great Britain and Ireland
