The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Poll reveals 92% of Carnoustie folk would welcome Open back.
GOLF: Residents and local business owners reflect on the event’s success
A poll has recorded overwhelming support for the Open Championship to return to Carnoustie in the future.
A total of 92% of voters on the Our Carnoustie social media page hoped to see the tournament return in the next eight to 10 years.
The result was welcomed by Carnoustie and District Independent Councillor Brian Boyd. “I am extremely pleased but not surprised to see 92% wanting the Open to return, the buzz around the town was immense,” he said.
“It’s also great to see ‘the silent majority’ finally coming forward on social media backing this, and 2,600 people voting sends the positive message to the R&A about how we feel about the Open returning to our fantastic town.
“The golf course is the town’s largest employer with an annual turnover of £5m, and the vast majority of this money comes from visitors.
“The course has also handed out £135,000 to local groups and charities, including helping the fireworks display and the town’s Christmas lights – these are just two of the examples of why so many want the Open back .”
Carnoustie also won the seal of approval from the R&A.
Johnnie Cole-hamilton, executive director – championships at the R&A, said: “The Open is one of the world’s great sporting events and it requires hard work and commitment from thousands of staff and volunteers to plan, organise and stage a successful and well-run championship.
“We are very grateful for the support of our partners, including Angus Council, the emergency services and transport operators, and the local community for ensuring that tens of thousands of fans from across the world enjoyed a safe and memorable experience of attending the Open at Carnoustie this year.
“We know that many fans visited the region from overseas and they were afforded a very warm welcome by residents and businesses in and around Carnoustie.
“We are delighted to have set a new venue attendance record for Carnoustie and its famous links has clearly shown why it is admired by players and millions of fans around the world as one of our sport’s great championship venues.
“We hope that everyone who attended the Open, particularly the next generation of young golfers, have been inspired by the thrilling events of this year’s championship.”
One local business owner who voted for the Open to return was Marie Fagan of Titanic Pizza Company: “We had a fantastic Open week, and business was booming with both players and visitors coming in, as well as our regulars.
“All the staff worked their socks off, and as a business, the Open only rolls around about once a decade for Carnoustie, so you have to give it 150% when it is here, which is what we did.”