Businesses cash in on Open fever

GOLF: One Angus club recorded 795% jump in trade

‘Open fever’ provided a bumper boost for Angus golf courses, hotels and restaurants, an impact assessment survey has revealed.

While the packed grandstands in Carnoustie witnessed history in the making, the drama on the course was accompanied by an equally impressive upsurge in business across the county.

One golf club which responded to the Angus Council survey recorded a 795% jump in trade and another posted a 785% increase.

Councillor Ron Sturrock, spokesman for economic development for Angus Council, said: “Our objective for the Open was to capitalise on the international spotlight that would be shone on Scotland.

“Through various initiatives and action plans, our team was able to achieve this, smashing previously held records along the way.”

Held in July, golf’s oldest Major was played in front of 172,000 spectators; a new record for Carnoustie, with Francesco Molinari becoming the first Italian to lift the famous Claret jug.

The Open in Carnoustie prompted an upsurge in business at golf courses across Tayside and Fife.

An economic assessment of the region’s golf clubs was overwhelmingly positive, with some noting three-figure jumps in business during Open week.

One club recorded a 795% boost, while another posted a 785% increase.

Held in July, golf’s oldest Major was played in front of 172,000 spectators – a record for Carnoustie – with Francesco Molinari becoming the first Italian to lift the famous Claret Jug.

An insight into the economic benefits has been revealed through a survey conducted by Angus Council which manages Carnoustie Country, the region’s golf destination brand.

While the packed grandstands witnessed history in the making, the drama on the course was accompanied by an equally impressive upsurge in business across Angus.

Of the golf venues in Angus, Perthshire and Fife which responded to Carnoustie Country’s post-event survey, 78% recorded an increase in business activity during July, compared to 12 months earlier.

Some 89% said their business had seen an upsurge in demand during the week of the Open, with some recording year-on-year increases.

The Angus Council economic development spokesman Ron Sturrock said one of the key objectives was to ensure the economic benefits reached beyond the boundaries of the Championship Course at Carnoustie.

“With a dedicated promotional campaign to do just that, the region’s hotels and restaurants were among many to capitalise on an exceptional summer,” he said.

Andrew Crerar, PGA professional and director of golf at Panmure Golf Club, said there was a “massive” upsurge in visitor bookings.

He said: “It certainly surpassed my expectations and the club’s.”

“As a destination the Open has put us in the spotlight, and that won’t have done us any harm in terms of getting people to come back to Carnoustie Country.”

Claire Penman, deputy operations manager and company secretary at Montrose Golf Links, said July saw the official launch of its rebranded 1562 Course which celebrates golf being played at Montrose for more than 450 years.

She said: “Together with the Open, this resulted in a significant increase in footfall to Montrose.”

Jan Brodie, managing secretary at Monifieth Golf Club, said visitor revenue was far greater than usual for this time of year.

“In total, we took in about 20% of annual visitor income in that one week,” she said.

“That’s massive for us.”

Picture: Kris Miller. The success of the Open at Carnoustie was matched by a wider economic upsurge.