Preparations are well under way to welcome 40,000 people to Carnoustie for the 2011 Ricoh Women’s Open Golf Championship later this month.
It will be the first time that the Women’s Open has been played over Carnoustie’s championship links.
An international line-up, including former winner and Carnoustie Country golf ambassador Catriona Matthews, will be competing for the title.
Traffic and travel arrangements for the championship will be similar to previous golf tournaments at Carnoustie and they will be in operation between July 25 and 31.
Carnoustie will also undergo a facelift with 16 new welcome banners at a cost of £20,000.
The banners, located near the various approach roads to Carnoustie, have faded since their initial installation and should be replaced before the Open begins in two weeks time.
Carnoustie councillor Helen Oswald has welcomed the improvement works. She said, “I like the banners, they are creative and a little bit whimsical. But it’s time they were replaced, so I’m pleased this work is going ahead.
“The community council and local partnership group have been working hard to brighten the town up a wee bit.
“There are hanging baskets and other works are ongoing. It all adds to the whole picture of a more vibrant looking town than before.”
An Angus Council spokeswoman said the banners create a striking visual impact and help reinforce the Carnoustie Country brand as a major international golf attraction.
In its 36th year, the championship makes its first appearance at Carnoustie Golf Links.International fieldAs the only women’s Major played outside the US it is the most international with the 2010 field boasting players from 22 different nations, including the world’s top 20.
The council’s golf spokesman, Councillor David Fairweather said, “The council and police are keen to ensure that the Women’s Open is an enjoyable event for residents as well as spectators and we have produced a traffic and travel plan that accommodates everyone.”
Although qualifying and practice rounds will be taking place from Monday to Wednesday, the bulk of the spectator traffic will be on championship days.
Women’s Open traffic will be directed to Carnoustie via the A92 with a free park and ride facility provided just off the A92 at Carlogie Farm. Shuttle buses will operate to and from the course each day.
As well as the normal traffic and waiting restrictions in the town there will be additional restrictions in some streets during the championship, as detailed on the council’s website at www.angus.gov.uk/womensopen.
The website carries other information for residents, such as waste collection and access arrangements.
Residents living on streets where parking restrictions are in place have been contacted by the council to advise them of access and parking arrangements.