The Angus economy will receive a half-a-million-pound shot in the arm from this week’s Amateur Golf Championship at Carnoustie.
As well as the cash injection, golf tourism in Angus will benefit from four days of television highlights broadcast on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and via local satellite suppliers in other territories.
Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, executive director of championships at the R&A, said: “The Amateur Championship receives a warm welcome wherever it is staged, and we are delighted that it will make a significant contribution to golf tourism in Angus.
“The majority of the field will be facing the test of Carnoustie and Panmure for the first time.
“It is an excellent opportunity for spectators to see many of the world’s top amateur players in action.”
An independent event impact study, conducted by Sheffield Hallam University’s Sport Industry Research Centre and commissioned by the R&A, calculated that 3,500 commercial bed nights are required to accommodate the 288 competitors from 30 countries taking part.
The Amateur champion wins a place in the 144th Open at St Andrews next month, and next year’s US Open at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania.
Traditionally, an invitation is also extended to play in the Masters at Augusta.
Previous championships have seen some of golf’s greatest names, such as past champions Jose Maria Olazabal, Sergio Garcia and more recently Matteo Manassero, announce themselves on the world stage.
Angus Council’s tourism spokesperson Councillor Mairi Evans said: “Hosting the Amateur Championship in Angus this week will help give local businesses in the county a boost from the additional tourism trade.
“I wish all the competitors the best of luck, with the winner being able to test themselves against the very best golfers in the world at The Open next month.”
The first two days of the Amateur Championship were strokeplay qualifying over both Carnoustie and Panmure before the field was cut to 64 and ties.
Four days of match play finds the champion at Carnoustie.
Admission and parking is free and full details including the championship draw can be found at RandA.org.