Open golf drive hailed a success by council

Economic benefits of hosting the Open could generate millions for Tayside

Angus Council economic development chiefs say efforts to put Carnoustie Country to the fore at next year’s Open were a success.

A team attended this year’s golf championship at Royal Birkdale to raise awareness of Carnoustie Country and the attractions of Angus.

The tourism and economic benefits offered by the Open could generate as much as £80 million for Tayside when it returns to Carnoustie in a year’s time.

The council’s economic development spokesperson, Ron Sturrock, said: “Our ambition for the Open in Carnoustie is to increase visitor numbers to boost our economy and ensure our businesses work together across Angus reap the benefits of hosting one of the largest sporting events in the world, not just while the event is on but ensuring visitors return throughout the year.

“I’m pleased to hear that the work from the team last week was so successful and we look forward to welcoming golfers, spectators and their friends and families to Angus next year.”

The council will also discuss with the R&A in the coming weeks the possibility there may be a ‘no readmissions’ policy at next year’s tournament.

The golf authority did 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.

Mr Sturrock said: “Tourism is extremely significant to the Angus economy. In 2016 alone it was worth £227m.

“We want the world to see that we are very much open for business and the team spoke with hundreds of people who sampled some of our great local produce and found out more about the golf courses and heritage, where to stay when they come next year and about other attractions across Angus.

“Officers met with Sefton Council’s head of tourism and also England’s Golf Coast manager to learn from their experiences and add to our three-year marketing plan to maximise the increased global profile that the Open brings to the area.

“Discussions also took place with the R&A on the three legacy projects.

“We know there has been concerns raised by local businesses on the R&A’s new admissions policy and we will be discussing this with them in the coming weeks once they have completed their evaluation of this year.”

The R&A said the no readmission system this year was “to provide a safer experience for our spectators and try to prevent them falling victim to misleading sales tactics”.

We want the world to see that we are very much open for business. ANGUS COUNCIL SPOKESPERSON RON STURROCK

Picture: Getty. Crowds cross the 18th fairway during last year’s Senior Open at Carnoustie Golf Links.