{
  "id": 9550572,
  "title": "The R&A pledged to put $260M into golf over 10 years. How is it doing?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/the-r-a-pledged-to-put-260m-into-golf-over-10-years-how-is-it-doing",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-24T12:02:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/r-pledged-put-260m-golf-120222648.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The R&A has been making significant strides toward its goal of investing $260 million in golf over a decade. In 2025, the Scotland-based governing body allocated $31 million to the initiative, bringing the total investment since its inception in 2017 to nearly $250 million. With one year left in the 10-year program, the organization is $18 million shy of its target.\n\nThe R&A's financial performance in 2025 showcased a healthy upward trend. Turnover grew to $208.6 million, up from $206.5 million in the previous year, while profit after tax surged to $10.3 million from $7 million. Net assets reached $248 million, and the organization's investment portfolio was valued at $206 million, complemented by $35 million in cash reserves.\n\nThe financial success of The Open and the AIG Women's Open plays a crucial role in funding the R&A's broader program of activity across the sport. These prestigious championships attract millions of spectators and generate substantial economic benefits for their host regions. For instance, The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland drew over 278,000 spectators, contributing $370 million to the local economy.\n\nOne notable example of the R&A's investment is Golf It, a community golf and entertainment venue in Glasgow. The facility welcomed more than 143,000 visitors in 2025, a 6% increase from the previous year. Golf It features a nine-hole course, adventure golf, padel courts, coaching facilities, and a driving range, which has seen over 14 million golf balls struck since its opening in 2023.\n\nAs part of the 10-year investment plan, the R&A is constructing a new global headquarters in St. Andrews, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. The project, funded by the organization's investment portfolio, comes amid efforts to maintain one of the best-capitalized sporting bodies in the UK. Despite increased expenditures, the R&A realized $72 million from investment sales and saw a $6.9 million boost in the value of its portfolio during 2025.\n\nHowever, the accounts also reveal challenges the organization faces. Total staff costs rose from $24 million to $25.6 million, despite a slight decrease in average staff numbers from 289 to 277. The R&A has recently launched a new five-year strategy called \"Opening Golf to the World,\" aiming to expand participation and support the sport's long-term growth through its role as the governing body, its major championship portfolio, and its investment programs.",
  "summary": "The figures illustrate how income from elite championship golf continues to fund a much wider program of activity across the sport.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}