Angus Council’s tourism spokesman has insisted the Senior Open Championship at Carnoustie provided a “massive boost” for Carnoustie Country golf.
Local retailers will discuss their opinions at a meeting next week but early indications seem to be that the tournament did not provide the influx anticipated by the local authority.
Angus Council had estimated the Senior Open won by Berhnhard Langer would bring 40,000 visitors to the area.
Councillor David May said, “The line-up of golfing greats attracted thousands of people to the championship and the Carnoustie course won the plaudits of both competitors and spectators.
“The links were in magnificent shape and the event was a great showcase for golf in this area, whether you’re Bernhard Langer or a visiting club golfer. The council took the opportunity to promote the fantastic golf packages available from our Carnoustie Country pavilion in the tented village, where we were delighted to welcome visitors from throughout the UK and Europe and as far afield as USA and Australia.
“The impact of having the Open and the Seniors championship in such close proximity is still being assessed but judging from the atmosphere at the event, the spectators certainly enjoyed it. Anecdotal evidence seems to suggest some visitors did plan their trip around both events and enjoyed golf at some local courses while they were here.
“However, the benefit of hosting such a major golf event is not just about what happens during the four days of the championship but what it can do to promote the area to the hordes of golfing spectators who either attended in person or watched it on TV.”
The Carnoustie Business Association will discuss the impact of the tournament on local businesses at its meeting on August 4.
CBA secretary Kathleen Crowe said, “I haven’t had the opportunity to speak to anyone else so it’s too early to say what the general consensus is.
“From a personal point of view, in our shop at Links To Scotland, we cannot complain. I’m not sure that the visitor numbers touted by the council in advance of the event were borne out but we were certainly busier than normal.”
A local caddie said he thought the tournament was “quite quiet,” with only Sunday’s final day attracting substantial numbers on to the course.