While the focus is on the pursuit of the Claret Jug for the world’s leading male golfers at The 152nd Open this week, the Championship plays a key role in helping The R&A make the sport more accessible, appealing and inclusive across the world.
The proceeds generated by The Open enabled The R&A to invest £24.1m in golf in 2023 as the organisation remains on course to fulfil its ambitious programme of investing £200 million in golf over a ten-year period (2017-2026). The cumulative investment in the sport since 2017 is now £138 million.
Given The R&A governs the sport worldwide – outside of the United States and Mexico – on behalf of over 61 million golfers in 146 countries and with the consent of 165 organisations from amateur and professional golf, The Open’s impact is therefore vital.
“Our vision is to ensure that golf is open to all and enjoyed by people of all ages, backgrounds, genders and ethnicities,” says Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&A, in The Open’s official programme at Royal Troon this week. “Through the collective work of our development activity, the support of national associations and the wider golf industry I am pleased to see the sport continuing to thrive, especially at grassroots level.”
Of The R&A’s investment into the sport in 2023, £6.1 million was made in grants to support golf development and golf sustainability around the world, including £2.8m provided to national associations affiliated to The R&A and £570,000 in support of Women in Golf initiatives.