A short video showcasing Carnoustie and Angus made for the NBC Golf Channel during the Open Championship has proved to be an online sensation.
David Valentine of Simpsons of Carnoustie golf shop explained how the film came to be made.
We arranged a visit by NBC #Golf Channel during @TheOpen Millions of viewers #worldwide saw the #majesty and beauty of @GlamisCastle & what a great place @angus is to visit @Visit_Angus @AngusTourism @DundeeAndAngus @carnoustiecntry @ourcarnoustie @Hellocarnoustie @ScotChambers pic.twitter.com/CETbcul9PJ
— Simpsons Golf Shop (@SimpsonsGolf) July 27, 2018
“The American TV channel NBC had a number of crews here during the Open, and were conducting interviews,” he explained.
“I suggested to the crew from the NBC Golf Channel that they might like to film around the Angus area and see what we have to offer, and they jumped at the chance, especially as I was able to get permission for them to film at Glamis Castle.”
Carnoustie golf shop – believed to be the world’s second oldest golf shop in the world – sits on Links Parade with its iconic brightly-coloured umbrella roof recognisable to golfers from across the globe who have visited the town to play the legendary Angus course.
It was established by unsung Scots golfing legend Robert Simpson in 1883, and since then has remained a fixture across the road from the 18th green where Francisco Molinari became the first Italian to get his hands on the prized Claret Jug at this year’s record-breaking Open.
Mr Valentine added: “It was also good to have the Provost of Angus take part in the film, as I had explained the role of the Provost to the film crew.
“We have to bear in mind that golfers aren’t just interested in golf when they visit a course.
“They often bring their families with them who may want to explore the area too, and that’s why short films like this can be so valuable to an area.
“I put the video on our Simpsons social media page, and in just a few days it has achieved over 12,000 views, and I think it will be interesting to see where these views have come from to analyse the reach of the film.”
The film covers the close links between the county and golf, as well as Glamis Castle, glens, local produce, and also highlights the warm welcome visitors will receive from local residents, and it is hoped that it will appeal to the hundreds of millions of viewers who watched the tournament on TV and online.
Provost Ronnie Proctor said: “I was delighted when Mr Valentine contacted me and asked me participate.
“The footage really is excellent and I am sure will inspire people to come to Carnoustie, and also visit the surrounding area.
The Open proved to be a ratings success for the NBC Sports and Golf Channel who confirmed a 67% streaming boost on the 2017 Open, with 125 million minutes streamed making it the most-streamed golf tournament in the network’s history, and viewing figures were up 38% in comparison to the final round of the 2017 Open.
