Following Rory McIlroy’s Grand Slam success, even more eyes will be on The Open’s return to Northern Ireland this summer.

With preparations well under way on the north coast, Tourism NI has estimated that golf tourism is worth almost £70m to the economy annually.

The organisation’s director of events, Áine Kearney, said the figure, which is the highest ever recorded, has “increased significantly” in recent years.

Royal Portrush head professional, Gary McNeill, said that much of that success is down to Rory McIlroy and other golfers from across the island.

More than 250,000 people are expected to attend the championship when it returns to the north coast in July.

Ms Kearney said more than 50% of visitors are likely to come from outside Northern Ireland.

“That’s people coming and spending money in the economy that wouldn’t have done if it hadn’t been for hosting the event.

“Lots of those visitors will be coming to Northern Ireland for the first time, and if we can deliver that fabulous experience then they are more likely to come back,” she said.

The event is expected to be shown in 100 million homes in more than 150 countries around the world.

Mr McNeill said that, although Rory McIlroy is at the fore at the moment, other golfers including Pádraig Harrington, Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell had all contributed to The Open’s return.

“We have a tremendous number of overseas golfers who come here and play at Royal Portrush,” he said.

“We are so fortunate in such a small country to have the likes of Royal Portrush, Royal County Down, and all the wonderful golf courses that we have.”

Dr Peter Bolan, director for the MA in Golf Management course at Ulster University, told BBC Radio Ulster’s Talkback on Monday that McIlroy’s Masters win adds to the “absolutely huge” potential for the growth of golf on the island of Ireland.

“The stars are aligning. We have The Open coming back to Royal Portrush this summer, we have Rory achieving the remarkable feat that he did, and the Ryder Cup coming to Adare Manor in 2027.

“It’s fantastic in economic terms. It’s fantastic for tourism.”

Following The Open Championship at Royal Portrush in 2019, a Sheffield Hallam University report found it generated more than £100m in economic benefit to Northern Ireland.

A new five-star hotel that opened next to the fourth fairway at Royal Portrush in February was a product of the 2019 event, after US visitors saw a gap in the market.

Dunluce Lodge’s general manager Stephen Meldrum said: “Our owners came to the area, fell in love with the great golf courses that we have to offer, but more importantly fell in love with the magnificent people in Northern Ireland.

“It’s a massive event for the hotel and for the region and opening in a championship year is brilliant for me and the team.

“It’s great to have so many of the world’s golfers descending on this beautiful area… and also being beamed out across the world.”

Preparations are now in full swing with stands and building work under way at Royal Portrush.

Danny Coyles, the general manager of The Station Bar in the town, said huge crowds in July will “benefit everybody in the area”.

“You couldn’t buy the advertising benefit that you get from The Open golf, but also the North West 200, and the coverage that provides.

“Those big international events are massive for the area.”

Mr Coyles said this year’s ticket ballot means people may not have got consecutive days at The Open, so visitors will be “enjoying what we have to offer on the coast” on days they’re not at the event.

James Kilgore, president of Causeway Chamber of Commerce, said people are excited.

“We have less than 100 days to go and it’s great to see infrastructure has started on the course.”

Mr Kilgore believes there will be long term benefits again beyond the event itself.

“The expectation from stakeholders is one of economic and promotional benefit… we hope to see high numbers not only coming to Portrush, but expanding their stay to the surrounding areas.”