Hosting the Ricoh Women’s Open in Fife this week will tee up a £13 million boost to the Scottish economy, it has emerged.
The world’s best female golfers will descend on the famous Kingsbarns course for four days of competition starting on Thursday, with an estimated 30,000 spectators expected to enjoy all the action on the Fife coast.
With modern design icons The Kelpie Maquettes to be officially unveiled in St Andrews today, tourism chiefs are hoping the next few days – particularly in the north-east of the region – will provide the Fife economy with a timely fillip during the school holidays.
Bosses not only believe the arrival of the Women’s Open will deliver a significant economic benefit but will also entice more golfers to the area’s renowned courses.
Estimates suggest the global media exposure for Scotland over the four days of the championship could be worth in excess of £8 million, while the net total impact on Scotland of the event is anticipated to generate more than £5 million on top of that.
Malcolm Roughead, chief executive of VisitScotland, told The Courier: “Golf is a critical part of the visitor economy and the ripple effect of event tourism is felt in shops, hotels, and a wide range of businesses across Scotland.
“It is more than a holiday experience or attendance at an event – it creates jobs, sustains communities and provides an international shop window for our beautiful country.
“Golf in Scotland is an inclusive sport and that is reflected not only in the higher participation rates but in the sheer breadth of accessible golf courses across the country and the number of visitors flocking to Scotland to experience golf in the country where it began.
“It creates jobs and encourages spending and there is no doubt that Scotland’s strong golf tourism and major events portfolio is a significant factor in this success.”
Kingsbarns has previously hosted the European Tour’s Dunhill Links Championship along with the Old Course at St Andrews and Carnoustie, although this week will be the first time it has hosted a major of any kind..
Defending champion Ariya Jutanugarn will face the challenge of five former Ricoh Women’s British Open champions, 24 major champions and 22 Solheim Cup players with 78 appearances between them.
Scottish number one Catriona Matthew added: “As a proud Scot, I always feel the Ricoh Women’s British Open is that extra bit special when it is hosted in Scotland and I know the new venue on the rota this year will be well received by the players.”
VisitScotland said the economic value of golf tourism and events to Scotland as a whole has increased to £286 million per year, with overseas golfing visitors spending on average £338 per night during a trip to Scotland – more than four times the daily spend of an average overseas visitor (£78.90).
Meanwhile, St Andrews is expected to be busy today as the Kelpie Maquettes are given a formal unveiling on the Bruce Embankment.
A parade, led by Clydesdale horse Pixie and the City of St Andrews Pipe Band, will start at the castle at 10.30am and head down The Scores before Andy Scott, the Kelpies sculptor, and Jim Carruth, the poet who inspired them, perform the opening ceremony.
That will be followed by a carnival from 11am to 4pm with fun and activities promised for all the family.
Debbie MacCallum, from Tourism St Andrews, commented: “The Kelpies’ arrival in St Andrews will hopefully provide an added incentive for visitors to the Kingdom and a welcome boost for local businesses in the town.”
