A marketing drive is under way at Royal Birkdale to ensure Angus is the real winner at this week’s Open golf championship.
Angus Council’s economic development team, in partnership with Carnoustie Golf Links and Visit Scotland, are putting Carnoustie Country to the fore ahead of welcoming The Open to Carnoustie in 2018.
More than 225,000 people are expected at the global sporting event at Royal Birkdale in Liverpool where the team has been raising awareness of Carnoustie Country and the attractions of Angus.
The week is being seen as a prime opportunity to capitalise on the tourism and economic benefits offered by The Open which could generate as much as £80m for Tayside.
Alison Smith, Head of Economic Development at Angus Council said: “It’s been a fantastic first couple of days speaking with visitors to our stand at The Royal Birkdale.
“With the R&A expecting record spectator numbers, this week is a prime opportunity to showcase the wealth of golf courses across Carnoustie Country and promote the wonderful local produce which we have brought with us for visitors to sample.”
Golf is a vital part of the visitor economy with the ripple effect felt in shops, hotels, restaurants and a wide variety of other businesses.
Angus Council will also raise concerns about the possible introduction of a ‘no re-admissions’ policy at next year’s tournament in Carnoustie with The R&A.
The golf authority will not allow people to leave the course and gain re-entry at this year’s championship as a result of security concerns.
However, Carnoustie councillors and businesses are anxious that the Angus town sees a tourism boost from the thousands of visitors at next year’s tournament.
Ms Smith added: “In addition to exhibiting at the event, we’ve scheduled a number of meetings to maximise the opportunities that hosting The Open brings.
“We’re meeting with The R&A to align our digital marketing plans, explore legacy projects such as making the Carnoustie Open more ‘green’ and discuss the no re-admissions policy.
“We’ve arranged meetings with Sefton Council’s head of tourism and England’s Golf Coast to inform our three-year marketing plan for pre, during and post event to maximise the increased global profile that The Open brings to the area.”
Carnoustie Country is home to 34 courses including many which were designed by the men who are now considered golf’s greatest architects – Old Tom Morris, Willie Park Jnr and James Braid.
