Research conducted by Sheffield Hallam University’s Sport Industry Research Centre found that visitors playing the town’s seven courses generate £317 million for the Scottish economy each year, supporting 4,300 full-time jobs nationwide.

The study, which surveyed over 2,400 golfers, calculated the total visitor spending on golf, accommodation, food and drink, retail, and local transport. It highlighted that for every £1 spent with St Andrews Links, a further £3.43 is generated for other local businesses.

St Andrews Links, a charitable trust that manages the iconic Old Course among others, welcomes approximately 2,000 playing visitors weekly. The majority of these visitors (72%) travel from overseas, with the United States and Canada being the most significant markets. The report also found a strong likelihood of repeat visits, with 84% of all visitors stating they would be “likely or very likely” to return.

Neil Coulson, chief executive of St Andrews Links Trust, said: “This is the first such study looking solely at the impact of golf in St Andrews on the town and the wider Scottish economy.

“It clearly shows the massive impact on the town and that our visitors are delivering a boost to communities across Scotland each and every year. This impact has probably been undervalued in the past.

“The unique place that St Andrews holds as the lifeblood and source of the sport means that both golfers and non-golfers want to come here and experience this place for themselves. But this only works if we continue to invest in our facilities and in ensuring we strive for excellence in customer experience.”

The findings were welcomed by Scottish Business Minister Richard Lochhead and VisitScotland Chief Executive Vicki Miller, who both acknowledged the vital role of St Andrews in cementing Scotland’s reputation as the “birthplace of the game” and a world-leading tourism destination.

Professor Simon Shibli of Sheffield Hallam University noted the significance of the study, stating: “Economic impact studies tend to look at the effects of one-off major sport events. For St Andrews Links Trust we have had the opportunity to investigate the economic impact of a permanent year-round golf business.

“Using gold standard methods to interview over 2,400 golfers, our research reveals a significant asset to the Scottish economy, which has arguably not been fully appreciated. St Andrews Links Trust is not only a thriving business in its own right, it is also a catalyst for considerable tourism and employment benefits.”