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 new 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.
More specifically, 89% said their business had seen an upsurge in demand during the week of The Open with some recording year-on-year increases.
Councillor Ron Sturrock, spokesperson 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.
“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.
“Ticket sales were impressive and the TV coverage showed the enormous crowds that had travelled to the east coast of Scotland to enjoy an enthralling contest.
“One of the key objectives, however, 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.
“The boost was perhaps most keenly felt at the region’s golfing venues which have returned some incredible figures.”
Andrew Crerar, PGA professional and director of golf at Panmure Golf Club, said there was a “massive upsurge in visitor bookings”.
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“It certainly surpassed my expectations and the club’s,” he said.
“Our figures are up for the year – even taking the July figures into account.
“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.
“It was great to see an increase of visitors playing Montrose and staying within the Carnoustie Country area.”
Jan Brodie, managing secretary at Monifieth Golf Club, said visitor revenue was far in excess of its usual income at 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.”
The Carnoustie Country region has hosted The Open on eight occasions.
