'A resounding success': 153rd Open at Royal Portrush bigger and better than 2019 golf major
Tourism Northern Ireland has hailed the return of The Open to Northern Ireland as "a resounding success".
Around 278,000 golf fans descended on the North Coast for the week-long event.
Tracy McAllister is a shop owner in Portrush who "never seen crowds like it" in the town.
She said: "We had some of the families of the professional golfers that were in Portrush from the States and from South America.
"We had some people here from Australia and New Zealand.
"We are so delighted that we had a really good week of trade.
"I think The Open was about 25% bigger this time than it was in 2019 so it would be brilliant to have it back."
There were concerns following the last tournament that Portrush did not see the trade it should have.
The ability for fans to leave the course during the day this time has helped.
Alan Simpson from Portmagic said: "There is little doubt that there was a lot more people in Portrush this time around."
"The ticketing ballot scheme gave people more freedom." he said.
It wasn't just spectators enjoying the town, with Jon Rahm being one of many golfing superstars decompressing in Portrush.
"Scottie Scheffler's wife and young Bennett, who stole the show on Sunday evening, spent a lot of time in West Strand and the beach making sandcastles."
"The golfers come into town and mingled with the locals. They were happy to take selfies and photographs.
"Everywhere you looked there was a famous golfer. Xander Schauffele went to the local spa."
The home of Rory McIlroy was the Dunluce Lodge last week, which overlooks the fourth hole at Royal Portrush.
The success of the 2019 tournament prompted the resort to be built.
Sinead McNicholl from Dunluce Lodge described the economic benefits to come over the next number of years as "very exciting".
"Over the last 48 hours we've seen a phenomenal increase in inquiries not just from golf enthusiasts, but from people looking for day spa activities, and wellness retreats."
Tourism NI has said the region should feel 'incredibly proud' of its seamless and highly successful delivery of The Open.
It is estimated that the economic and media benefit from hosting the major will exceed £213million.
John McGrillen, CEO of Tourism NI, said the opportunities and impact associated with hosting such a global sporting event 'cannot be underestimated'.
'The exposure created during this incredible week of golf is invaluable for the entire region.
'From the thousands of people who visited Royal Portrush to see the action first-hand to the millions who watched the television coverage, Northern Ireland has without doubt been showcased as a must-see golf and tourism destination.", he said.'Opportunities to stage major events such as this cannot be under-estimated and the chance to host The Open, not just once, but twice in the past six years is a remarkable achievement.
'The warm welcome people from around the world received means it will not be the last time they visit Northern Ireland.'
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