Organisers of a Major championship at Kingsbarns Golf Links have been urged to meet locals following complaints about congestion and communication.
As one resident claimed last week’s Ricoh British Women’s Open caused “misery” for villagers, Councillor Bill Porteous requested a chance to smooth the waters.
Thousands of spectators flocked to the Fife course over four days to see the world’s top female players in action in the championship which was broadcast globally to millions by Sky Sports.
Mr Porteous suggested organiser IMG “could do better” after seeking feedback from local businesses and residents and receiving a mixed response.
One resident, Janine Johnson, said: “We sincerely hope that this championship never returns to Kingsbarns because of the sheer disruption and misery that it caused to residents.
“Kingsbarns was not designed to accommodate a championship of this size and clearly profit trumped quality of life in this instance.
“My biggest regret is that the sponsors will probably consider it a success and will seek to hold further events in Kingsbarns, making it a no-go area for several weeks of the year.”
IMG altered some arrangements prior to the event, following anger in the community at proposals to use a narrow, residential road for vehicle access to the course.
Kingsbarns Community Council member Kate Holy said IMG had agreed not to use Back Stile for access, which was the group’s main concern, and not to use the turf nursery as a car park.
The community council will discuss the championship at its next meeting on September 4.
After consulting locals, Mr Porteous said: “Generally, there were positive responses but with strong reservations in many cases to the event.”
He said complaints included communication from IMG, as many locals and tourist erroneously believed the beach and coastal path, part of which was diverted, were closed.
People also suggested a courtesy coach to the beach should have been run, residents issued with parking permits and short term parking permitted on the A917 to allow people access to the local shops and Post Office.
Mr Porteous said: “I hope that IMG can arrange a meeting soon with local representatives so they can discuss some of the issues raised.”
Ross Hallett, IMG tournament director, said: “Should the local residents invite IMG to a meeting to discuss any matters relating to the championship then we would be happy to do so.
“We are extremely happy with how the championship was managed and we have received positive feedback from all the stakeholders as well as the fans that attended or the millions that watched the tournament on TV.”
