An insight into the economic benefits of The 147th Open at Carnoustie has been revealed through a survey conducted by Angus Council who manage Carnoustie Country, the region’s golf destination brand. Carnoustie Country initiated a number of promotional activities in the run-up to and during golf’s blue-ribbon event, and then contacted the region’s 34 golf courses and accommodation providers to gather opinion, with some notable results.
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. While the packed grandstands witnessed history in the making, millions more watched on TV. The on-course drama was accompanied by an equally impressive upsurge in business at the region’s other golf courses.
78 percent of the area’s courses recorded an increase
Of the golf venues in Angus, Perthshire and Fife who responded to Carnoustie Country’s post-event survey, 78 percent recorded an increase in business activity during July compared to 12 months earlier. More specifically, 89 percent said their business had seen an upsurge in demand during the week of The Open (15-22 July) with some recording staggering year-on-year increases.
Cllr Ron Sturrock, spokesperson for economic development for Angus Council, said
— The 147th Open had presented an enormous opportunity for Carnoustie and its surrounding areas. “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. With positive feedback emanating from various parts of the local economy, the 2018 Open will be regarded as one of the best ever to be held at Carnoustie.
Positive feedback
The feedback from the region’s golf clubs was overwhelmingly positive, with some noting three-figure jumps in business during The Open week. Indeed, one club recorded a 795 percent boost while another posted a 785 percent increase.
PGA professional and director of golf, at Panmure Golf Club, Andrew Crerar, noted:
— The figures speak for themselves. We got a massive upsurge in visitor bookings. It certainly surpassed my expectations and the club’s. We had a lot of bookings in advance, but we got a lot of calls during the week as well. Our figures are up for the year – even taking the July figures into account.
Panmure Golf Club wasn’t alone experiencing a busy week. It.
— Montrose Golf Links was delighted to see an increase in visitor revenue on the back of The Open. July saw the official launch of our rebranded 1562 Course which celebrates golf being played at Montrose for more than 450 years. Together with The Open, this resulted in a significant increase in footfall to Montrose, deputy operations manager and company secretary at Montrose Golf Links, Claire Penman, said.
In July, Montrose Golf Links renamed its Medal Course, the fifth oldest in the world. The 1562 Course made its official debut as part of Montrose Open Week, with the combination of events prompting a surge in interest.
In July Montrose Medal Course changed its name to The 1562 Course.
