International golf tourism is worth more than €300 million to the Irish economy, according to Fáilte Ireland.
It is estimated that Ireland welcomes 200,000 international golfers annually, and that a golf visitor typically spends three times more than the average leisure tourist.
'Local Economies'
“Our research shows a golf visitor typically spends three times more than the average leisure tourist with most of the spend going directly into local economies on non-golf expenditure such as accommodation, transport and food and beverage," said Fáilte Ireland CEO Paul Kelly.
"Golf drives tourism revenue and sustains employment into areas that might otherwise not benefit from tourism to Ireland."
2023 Horizon Irish Open
The research was released ahead of the 2023 Horizon Irish Open at the K-Club earlier this month.
Fáilte Ireland used the tournament as a platform to showcase Ireland as a world-class golfing destination while also promoting the rich cultural heritage of Ireland’s Ancient East, where 115 of Ireland’s 400 golf courses are based.
80,000 Golf Fans
Up to 80,000 golf fans attended the K-Club over the four-day event to watch the world-renowned golfers tackle the Ryder Cup Palmer North course.
Fáilte Ireland hosted up to 40 Irish golf related businesses including golf clubs and hotels from across the country, to encourage domestic and overseas golf fans to take a golf holiday in Ireland.
'Key Product Area'
“The scale and significance of hosting events such as of these events cannot be underestimated," said Brian O’Flynn, head of Ireland’s Ancient East at Fáilte Ireland.
"While golf is the key product area, the destination is core to the overall enjoyment and experience of any visit."
