Visitors to the Open given a foretaste of Angus hospitality

Major sporting event comes to Carnoustie next year

A marketing drive is under way at Royal Birkdale to ensure Angus is the real winner at this week’s Open golf championship.

Angus Council’s economic development team, in partnership with Carnoustie Golf Links and VisitScotland, are putting Carnoustie Country to the fore ahead of welcoming the Open to Carnoustie next year.

More than 225,000 people are expected at the global sporting event at Royal Birkdale in Liverpool where the team has been raising awareness of Carnoustie Country and the attractions of Angus.

The week is being seen as a prime opportunity to capitalise on the tourism and economic benefits offered by the Open which could generate as much as £80 million for Tayside.

Alison Smith, head of economic development at Angus Council, said: “It’s been a fantastic first couple of days speaking with visitors to our stand at Royal Birkdale.

“With the R&A expecting record spectator numbers, this week is a prime opportunity to showcase the wealth of golf courses across Carnoustie Country and promote the wonderful local produce which we have brought with us for visitors to sample.”

Golf is a vital part of the visitor economy with the ripple effect felt in shops, hotels, restaurants and a wide variety of other businesses.

Meanwhile, Angus Council is to raise concerns with the R&A over the possible introduction of a ‘no re-admissions’ policy at next year’s tournament.

The golf authority will not allow people to leave the course and gain re-entry at this year’s championship as a result of security concerns.

However, Carnoustie councillors and businesses are anxious that the Angus town sees a tourism boost from the thousands of visitors at next year’s tournament.

Ms Smith added: “In addition to exhibiting at the event, we’ve scheduled a number of meetings to maximise the opportunities that hosting the Open brings. We’re meeting with the R&A to align our digital marketing plans, explore legacy projects such as making the Carnoustie Open more ‘green’ and discuss the no re-admissions policy.”

It’s been a fantastic first couple of days speaking with visitors to our stand at Royal Birkdale. ALISON SMITH

Picture: Getty. Francesco Molinari of Italy takes a selfie with golf fans during a practice round.