Rory McIlroy won successive Masters titles at Augusta National earlier this month. His victory has increased golf tourism in Northern Ireland. Holywood Golf Club in County Down, where McIlroy developed his game, saw visitors rise 168% in the three months after the win compared to the prior year.

Will Elliott, sales and marketing manager at Holywood Golf Club, expects visitor numbers to grow further this year. Interest from cruise ship passengers has also risen. The club offers a tour featuring McIlroy's trophies and memorabilia.

Tee times at Royal Portrush and Royal County Down sold out for 2027. Gary McNeill, head golf professional at Royal Portrush, credits McIlroy's success along with the club's hosting of The Open and Irish Open in recent years.

Royal Portrush hosted The Open in 2019. Sheffield Hallam University research found that event generated £89 million for Northern Ireland's economy and £280 million in total economic benefit.

George Diamondis, head of business solutions at Tourism NI, states golf tourism now contributes £86 million annually to the economy. This figure more than doubled from £33.2 million in 2014.

Diamondis attributes growth to McIlroy's Masters win, performances by McIlroy and Shane Lowry at last year's Ryder Cup, The Open at Royal Portrush, and the Irish Open at Royal County Down in 2024. Demand extends into 2028.

Mark Faloon, co-director of golf tour operator 18Ireland, predicts McIlroy's win will draw more visitors seeking varied courses beyond famous links. Gary O'Hara, fellow co-director, notes immediate global interest after major wins.

Plans for a new links course at Bellarena, 20 miles from Royal Portrush, were announced last year. Diamondis says it will be the first such course built in Northern Ireland in 100 years and will double available visitor tee times.