Major golf governing body announces 11-year deal worth £11m

The R&A has struck a deal with the Scottish Government and VisitScotland that will see £11m invested over 11 years. 

The deal will see the money go towards hosting The Open, AIG Women's Open and Senior Open between 2024-34. 

A spokesperson for the R&A said: "The investment in the championships will drive tourism and showcase Scotland as a world-class stage for major events, as well as delivering significant economic and social benefits to the country and the host regions. 

"The announcement coincides with the results of an independent study commissioned by the R&A which show that the 152nd Open at Royal Troon - attended by a record-breaking 258,174 fans in July - generated £303.3m in total economic benefit for Scotland."

Martin Slumbers, chief executive of the R&A, said: "The partnership with the Scottish Government and VisitScotland ensures continuing support for staging our championships at renowned venues around the country, reinforcing Scotland's international reputation as the home of golf and for providing a world-class stage for hosting major sporting events. 

"Independent studies have proven that major championship golf delivers significant economic benefits to Scotland by driving tourism, showcasing the country to a global audience and generating income for local communities and businesses. 

"The results produced by the 152nd Open at Royal Troon reinforce this and we look forward to working with our partners in government over the next ten years to stage a number of outstanding major championships in Scotland."

It is not been confirmed when The Open will return to Scotland. 

Royal Portrush will stage the major next year for the first time since 2019. 

It will head to Royal Birkdale in 2026. 

The wheels are also in motion to take The Open to Portmarnock. 

Elsewhere, the AIG Women's Open will head to Royal Porthcawl in 2025.

The 2025 Senior Open will be staged at Sunningdale in Berkshire. 

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