The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
St Andrews set for influx of golf fans as Senior Open begins
St Andrews and the surrounding area is gearing up to reap the rewards as the Old Course plays host to the Senior Open for the first time in the championship’s 32-year history.
Thousands of spectators will be hoping the warm and dry weather continues over the next four days as some of the world’s greatest senior players return to the Home of Golf.
The Fife coast was given an estimated £13 million boost when nearby Kingsbarns Links hosted the Ricoh Women’s Open almost a year ago, and local businesses are expecting visitor numbers to be on a par.
Martin Slumbers, chief executive of the R&A, said: “There have been many great championships held at St Andrews over the years and it is entirely fitting that the Senior Open should be played at the Home of Golf.
“We know that the galleries in St Andrews are passionate about golf and I’m sure they will turn out in strong numbers to see so many renowned senior players competing.
“It promises to be another wonderful event for golf fans in Scotland.”
Golf tourism is said to be worth around £286m annually to Scotland’s economy, according to VisitScotland, with 47% of visitors coming from overseas.
It is hoped hundreds of tourists in the area for the Open at Carnoustie have stayed to see if Bernhard Langer can defend the title he won in 2017.
Police have warned members of the public to plan ahead as roads will be busier than normal and have urged motorists to follow the designated AA signs which have been put in place.
Public parking is free and is located at the Balgove public car park.
The closest train station is Leuchars and various Stagecoach services, such as the 99, 99A, 99B, 99C and 99D, run approximately every 10 minutes each way.