A new study from Golf Ireland, in collaboration with The R&A, found that golf supports 15,600 jobs and contributes €717m in direct economic value to Ireland every year.
Conducted by the Sport Industry Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University, the report outlines the extensive impact golf has in Ireland across areas such as consumer spending, employment, Gross Value Added (GVA), and tax revenue.
In 2023, golf activities contributed €717 million in direct economic value (GVA), marking significant growth fueled by increased participation, strong club membership, and a recovery in golf tourism following the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to the Irish Times, this GVA figure can be broken down as €593 million for the Republic and €124 million for Northern Ireland.
Golf-related consumer spending reached €703 million, averaging €100 per head of population. Club memberships alone accounted for €143 million, or 20% of all golf expenditure, highlighting golf’s ongoing popularity among players of all ages.
The study suggests that €1 in every €200 spent in the economy on the island is related to golf, reports RTÉ.
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The report also found that golf directly supports approximately 15,600 jobs across Ireland. It estimates that the sport generates over €277 million annually in taxes from consumption, income and corporate profits, a figure far exceeding the level of government grants received by the sector.
“These 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,” said Golf Ireland CEO Mark Kennelly.
“We are particularly encouraged by the growth in golf tourism and event attendance, which signals a strong future for golf as both a sport and a key driver of economic activity in communities throughout the island of Ireland.”
Golf Ireland, which is the sport’s governing body for the island of Ireland, stated that with The Open returning to Royal Portrush next month, the economy is set to receive a further boost.
In 2019, The 148th Open generated more than £100 million for the economy Northern Ireland, according to an independent study commissioned by global governing golf body The R&A and conducted by the Sports Industry Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University.
“We have seen the benefits that golf brings in many other parts of the world but what this research makes clear is that golf makes a substantial contribution to the economy of Ireland and positively impacts the wider community in numerous ways," said Mark Darbon, Chief Executive of The R&A.
“The continuing strength of the golf sector throughout Ireland and the efforts of Golf Ireland to encourage more people to take up the sport are hugely impressive. The staging of global sporting events such as The Open can help to catalyse further growth in the sport and The R&A will continue to play its part in helping to maintain that momentum.”
The 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.
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“Golf is a significant industry in Ireland, which might otherwise go under the radar were it not for the Satellite Account research,” said Professor Simon Shibli, Director of the Sport Industry Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University.
“It 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.”
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