Open Championship 2026: Birkdale set for economic boost as local spending doubles

The 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale is set to double local business spending, according to Mastercard data based on economic impact from previous tournaments

This week’s Open Championship at Royal Birkdale is forecast to double spending at businesses in the surrounding area, according to figures from Mastercard.

Last year’s tournament at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland generated a 119 per cent surge in spending within 5km of golf’s oldest major, while the 2024 Open delivered an 82 per cent uplift within 3km of Royal Troon.

The hospitality sector stands among the greatest beneficiaries. Spending in bars and restaurants around Portrush last year soared 234 per cent and 95 per cent respectively, while at Troon expenditure across both categories more than doubled.

“As fans travel to Royal Birkdale to enjoy one of golf’s greatest Championships, the local hospitality sector is in for a bumper weekend,” said Mastercard UK and Ireland president Simon Forbes, as reported by City AM.

“From Australian tourists to B&B owners in Merseyside, live events bring people together. We’re proud to help businesses at these busy times, connecting them to tourists from all over the world with the tap of a card.”

Play got under way this morning at Royal Birkdale, where local favourite Tommy Fleetwood is considered one of the frontrunners to lift the Claret Jug.

The Open draws in excess of 250,000 spectators, with a significant proportion travelling from abroad — particularly from the United States, home of defending champion Scottie Scheffler, and Australia. Accommodation spending at the 2024 Open rose 44 per cent, according to Mastercard’s findings.

This comes as Britons are continuing to devote more of their budgets to experiences. The proportion of UK consumer spending on experiences, excluding travel, rose to 23.3 per cent, up from 22.3 per cent the previous year, according to the payments giant.

This rise in spending also provides a welcome boost to the broader economy, with the 2025 Open credited with delivering £89.2m in economic impact for Northern Ireland. The 2024 Open generated a comparable figure, £87.3m, for Scotland.