The 2006 Ryder Cup was not only a great showcase for the Republic of Ireland as a golfing and tourist destination but it also gave the country a major economic boost.
According to a new report by Deloitte & Touche, commissioned by the Irish Tourism Development Authority, last year’s tournament resulted in a record 143 million euro being injected into the Irish economy.
This was above the expected 130 million-euro impact of the Ryder Cup, the world’s most famous and most prestigious inter-continental team event between the United States and Europe. It was also a 32 per cent increase on the 2002 Ryder Cup in England.
Spectators visiting Ireland for the tournament spent an average of 526 euro a day while corporate guests shelled out 500 euro a day. Total spectator spending was up 60 per cent compared to the Belfry four years prior.
The accounting firm points out that these are only conservative estimates and the real amount is likely to be higher, probably closer to a staggering 240 million euro.
Ryder Cup Director Richard Hills was quoted on the European Tour website as saying that the figures show just how popular the Ryder Cup, won by Europe, is becoming.
“We are delighted that these figures, calculated using conservative methodology, accurately reflect the increasing popularity of The Ryder Cup and golf in the market place, and the way in which the event and the game – allied to a strong partnership between Ryder Cup and Fáilte Ireland – drive tourism.â€
The next Ryder Cup takes place in September, 2008 at Valhalla in Louisville, Kentucky and returns to Europe in 2010 at Newport, Wales.
