← Back to Westminster Hall Debates
150th Open Championship
13 July 2022
Lead MP
Wendy Chamberlain
North East Fife
Lib Dem
Responding Minister
Nigel Huddleston
Tags
EconomyCulture, Media & SportBenefits & Welfare
Word Count: 9274
Other Contributors: 4
At a Glance
Wendy Chamberlain raised concerns about 150th open championship in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The hon. Member calls for closer engagement with local communities regarding future events and improved support for specific sectors within hospitality tourism that were affected by the pandemic.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The hon. Member is concerned about the historical and cultural significance of the 150th Open Championship taking place in St Andrews, North East Fife, highlighting events like the Celebration of Champions exhibition match and the honorary citizenship event for Jack Nicklaus. She also mentions the economic impact on local businesses and the importance of public access to golf courses. However, she acknowledges issues such as train strikes affecting travel and community concerns over tourism.
Gavin Newlands
SNP
Paisley and Renfrewshire North
Welcomed the debate and highlighted the importance of golf in Scotland, noting that St Andrews is home to the game. Mentioned the growth in participation despite challenges during the pandemic. Emphasised the historical significance of Scottish courses like Musselburgh Old Course and Muirfield. Acknowledged current issues such as the ownership of Turnberry and perceptions of golf being a middle-class sport. Corrected the record on affordability at Royal Barshaw golf course in Paisley, stating that it costs £10 but only £5 for unemployed individuals, children, and over-65s.
Jeff Smith
Lab
Manchester Withington
Jeff Smith highlighted the economic benefits of hosting major sporting events such as the Open Championship at St Andrews. He noted that last year's event brought a £113 million boost to Kent and generated an additional £94 million in gross advertising revenue. This year, with expected attendance reaching 290,000 fans and over 1.3 million ticket requests, the economic impact could be even greater for Fife. However, Smith expressed concern about ScotRail's cuts and a temporary timetable causing transportation issues, especially given that St Andrews is expecting 250,000 visitors to the event. He also pointed out the challenges faced by Scotland's tourism sector due to pandemic restrictions and called for a new national plan for recovery.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Apologised for being late and emphasised the importance of golf across all regions of the United Kingdom, particularly in Northern Ireland. Highlighted local council support for the PGA EuroPro Tour and mentioned star players like Rory McIlroy. Golf has been a significant source of mental, social and emotional wellbeing during the pandemic. It served as a release valve for many people.
Wirral West
Acknowledges the hon. Lady's speech and highlights the economic benefit of £76.3 million when the Open was last in Hoylake, praising local businesses for their contribution and emphasizing the importance of showcasing Wirral to a global audience.
Government Response
Nigel Huddleston
Government Response
I congratulate Wendy Chamberlain on securing the debate and on her compelling, passionate contribution. Golf has a long heritage in this country with the Open championship first played in 1860 at Prestwick in Scotland. The minister highlights the significant economic impact of golf across the UK, particularly noting that the 150th Open Championship will see record-breaking 290,000 fans attend and generate an estimated £200 million for St Andrews and Scotland. He also praises golf's efforts to become more inclusive and accessible for all players, especially women's golf and disability golf. The minister calls on broadcasters to showcase golf broadly on television as it inspires participation and supports elite-level athletes. Furthermore, he appeals to stakeholders, including unions, not to target sport events like the train strikes that could impact attendance and enjoyment for hundreds of thousands of people looking forward to these events.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.