This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Golfing greats boost Scottish economy
27/07/2006
The 2006 Senior British Open Championship at Turnberry in Ayrshire is expected to net a £1.2 million windfall for the Scottish economy.
EventScotland is predicting a significant boost for the Ayrshire economy and Scotland as a whole during the course of the week.
Defending champion Tom Watson of the United States will headline a star-studded field that includes 22 former Major champions.
EventScotland is funding a series of golf events, including the Senior British Open Championship, through to 2014, when the Ryder Cup will be played at Gleneagles.
Speaking as she attended the first day at the Westin Turnberry Resort, Sports Minster Patricia Ferguson said:
"With over 500 golf courses Scotland delivers the most authentic and diverse golfing experiences in the world.
"Golf is not only a game but increasingly a lucrative business, attracting millions of pounds to the Scottish economy.
"The potential for growth in this market is enormous so that is why VisitScotland is spending almost £1 million on promoting golf tourism this year."
Andy Stubbs, on behalf of the Championship committee, commented:
"The partnership between The Senior British Open Championship, presented by Aberdeen Asset Management and EventScotland, produces substantial benefits for the Scottish economy as well as showcasing some of the country's finest links courses through live international TV coverage, thereby strengthening Scotland's standing as 'The Home of Golf.'
"The first event in this three-year joint venture took place at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club last year and netted the region more than £1 million.
"Similar economic benefits are expected from this week's Championship at The Westin Turnberry Resort and at Muirfield, venue for the 2007 Senior British Open Championship.
"These two Open Championship venues will undoubtedly bring out the best in the world's leading senior golfers and we are delighted to welcome Patricia Ferguson to The Westin Turnberry Resort to witness first hand what this great Championship is all about."
The Senior British Open Championship is jointly owned by The R&A and the PGA European Tour. It is one of the four 'Major' senior's golf events, for players over 50 years old, and the only event to be held in Europe. EventScotland has contributed £150,000 pounds towards this year's championship.
The £1.2 million calculation is based on a provisional economic impact assessment conducted by EventScotland.