Some of the world's top golfers - currently battling it out for glory at Royal St George's in The Open - face being hit by a big tax bill.

According to business and financial advisors Kreston Reeves, the real winner of the tournament - which reaches its finale in Sandwich on Sunday - will be HM Revenue and Customs.

The firm, which has offices in Sandwich, Canterbury and Chatham, says regardless of how they perform, those taking part are likely to face a bill for a percentage of their sponsorship deals.

Julie Burton, a senior private client tax manager at Kreston Reeves explains: “Golfers will receive endorsement income for using a particular make of club or wearing a clothing brand, with their contracts typically specifying that it should be used or worn in the tournaments in which they appear.

“HMRC will argue that a proportion of that endorsed income whilst playing in the UK is taxable, based on the number of days played at the tournament and practice beforehand, compared to the total number of days spent training, practice days or playing golf worldwide in any one year. And that could leave golfers with quite considerable tax bills.

“Even if a golfer failed to make the cut for the Open, they may still find themselves with an unexpected tax liability. This is particularly galling when professional golfers participate in the Ryder Cup, a tournament where they receive no fee yet could still land a sizeable tax bill.

“It is a position that many professional sportsmen and women understandably consider unfair, and perhaps with good reason. The Euro 2020 championship was given an exemption to this tax rule, as was the London Olympics. Those who play individual sports, such as golf and tennis, are often those most affected.”

The Open, which teed on yesterday, continues throughout the weekend.

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