Roe Park Resort, Limavady, has reported a 15% increase in golf bookings compared to the previous year in the wake of The 148th Open Championship taking place in Portrush.
The legacy of golf’s most prestigious major continues to drive business at the resort,
with 21% more visitors to its driving range and an increase in international bookings. The Open returned to Portrush this summer for the first time in almost 70 years where Shane Lowry was crowned Champion Golfer of the Year. The Championship was a sell-out, with 237,750 spectators in attendance throughout the week.
Roe Park Resort was fully booked four years in advance of the Championship, but it was the lasting impact of the tournament where the resort has felt the most benefit. Due to its location on the North Coast and Links course proximity, an increased number of international visitors travelled to Roe Park Resort to play the resort’s own 18-hole parkland course.
Mike Marshall, General Manager at Roe Park Resort, said: “Following a £1m investment programme in our golf and leisure facilities over the past five years, we have undergone a redevelopment of our driving range, golf club, academy and 18-hole course. As a result, we were recently awarded ‘Best Value Resort in Ulster’ at the 2019 Golfers Guide to Ireland awards.
“We are delighted to see people showing a continued interest in golf, whether on the course or in our driving range as a direct result of The Open. It comes as no surprise that many international visitors are also attracted to Roe Park as a destination to play, stay and explore the local tourist attractions on the North Coast. We have noticed more bookings from Europe and North America in particular and we are delighted to reap the rewards of the legacy of The 148th Open, Royal Portrush.”
Leanne Rice, Tourism NI’s Golf Marketing Manager, commented: “In the last five years, golf tourism revenue has grown by over 50% and in 2018 alone we welcomed over 124,000 golf visitors, contributing £42.6 million to the local economy.
“This is anticipated to increase for 2019 particularly with the recent success of The Open and I’m delighted that Roe Park Resort can already see that benefit with increased bookings for their fantastic parkland course.”
PRESS RELEASE C/O IAGTO