Date published:
17 July 2025

The First Minister and deputy First Minister have welcomed The Open back to our beautiful north coast, hailing the significant benefits and opportunities presented by the return of golf’s oldest major championship.

The Ministers welcomed guests from a variety of global businesses and key partner organisations to a breakfast networking event as the153rd Open Championship, the biggest ever sporting event to be hosted in NI, got under way at Royal Portrush Golf Club.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: 

“I am delighted to welcome The Open – one of the biggest events in the global sporting calendar – back to Portrush on our stunning north coast.

“The 2019 Open was a massive success, and this year’s event promises to be a showcase on an even bigger scale. It gives us an incredible opportunity to shine a spotlight on what we have to offer to thousands of visitors from across these islands and around the world, and many millions more watching on television in almost 200 countries.

“Tourism has a vital part to play in achieving our goal of growing a globally competitive and sustainable economy. It is a vital industry which supports thousands of jobs and brings millions of pounds into our communities. The 153rd Open will bring significant benefits and future growth opportunities.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: 

“It is great to see the world’s best golfers back at Royal Portrush competing to win the sport’s oldest major championship in front of a sell-out crowd of 278,000 fans. I am really looking forward to an incredible few days of sporting drama.

“Northern Ireland boasts some of the best golf courses in the world, and has become a must-visit destination for golfers from across the globe. We have already seen the legacy of 2019 Open support the growth of golf tourism here, with the overall value reaching more than £86 million last year. And this year’s Championship will further strengthen our position as a premier golf tourism destination and significantly benefit our overall tourism economy.

“The coverage of this week’s event, and the breathtaking setting on our north coast, will be seen around the world, again highlighting the best of Northern Ireland and the exceptional product that we have to offer. This is a huge opportunity to show the world that this is an amazing place to live, work, visit and invest.”

As well as getting to watch some of the top players in action, the First Minister and deputy First Minister were given a behind-the-scenes tour of the venue, during which they took in the Swing Zone where they met with some future golfing stars. They also visited the Tourism NI & Failte Ireland Exhibition Marquee and the Broadcast Centre.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: 

“It was great to get to meet some of the young golfers who are being inspired by having this tournament on their doorstep, and also the officials, emergency services personnel and some of the more than 1,800 volunteers whose hard work is essential to making this event happen.

“I wish all the competitors and spectators a successful and enjoyable Championship.”

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: 

“These world-class sporting events don’t just happen, they take a huge amount of planning and hard work, so I would like to thank the R&A, Royal Portrush Golf Club, Tourism NI and all those who have played their part in delivering this iconic tournament.

“The 153rd Open will leave a positive and lasting legacy – one which will not only boost tourism and economic growth, but will inspire future generations of golfing stars. And I hope players, fans and everyone involved in this year’s Championship enjoys their time on our wonderful north coast.”

Notes to editors:

1. The 153rd Open will be the largest ever sporting event held in Northern Ireland and is expected to generate more than £213million in total economic benefit, according to an independent forecast by the Sport Industry Research Centre (SIRC) at Sheffield Hallam University.

2. The sell-out crowd of 278,000 fans makes this year’s Open the largest Championship to be held outside of St Andrews.