Causeway Coast & NI Gears Up for "Bigger and Better" 153rd Open Championship

Northern Ireland is poised to roll out the red carpet for the 153rd Open Championship, set to return to Royal Portrush in July 2025, with Tourism NI promising an event that could eclipse the success of its 2019 predecessor.

In a webinar hosted by Tourism NI this afternoon, industry leaders outlined plans to seize the “huge range of opportunities” the prestigious golf tournament offers for Causeway Coast & Glens and throughout Northern Ireland.

Siobhan McGuigan, Tourism NI’s Head of Events, told attendees the championship represents a “shop window” for Northern Ireland as a place to live, work, invest, and visit. Reflecting on the 2019 Open—the first held outside St Andrews to sell out—she highlighted its £100 million economic and media boost, driven by 237,000 visitors. “It was a truly magical atmosphere,” she said, citing the R&A’s praise for the warm welcome they received.

With a global broadcast reach of over 500 million households across 150 countries, the 2025 event is expected to further elevate Northern Ireland’s profile.

This time, the focus is on long-term gains. “This isn’t just about the event week,” McGuigan stressed. “It’s about the weeks beyond.” A key statistic from 2019—83% of visitors said they were more likely to return within two years—underpins hopes of boosting golf tourism and extending the visitor season. A new industry toolkit, unveiled during the session, aims to equip businesses with resources to enhance customer service and collaboration ahead of the influx.

The economic ripple effect will extend beyond spectators. With a ballot-based ticketing system limiting consecutive-day attendance, officials are keen to encourage visitors and their families to explore further, while thousands of contractors—arriving as early as April—will bolster local accommodation, dining, and retail sectors.

Some 5,000 jobs are up for grabs, with 3,000 casual roles earmarked for locals, a move the R&A has welcomed for the “warmth and friendliness” Northern Ireland’s workforce brings.

Picture Credit - R & A