Carnoustie Open generated £120m for the Scottish economy, study finds

The 147th Open at Carnoustie generated £120m for the Scottish economy, according to a new study.

The report from Sheffield Hallam University’s Sport Industry Research Centre revealed that the Open, played in July 2018, attracted a record 172,000 fans and generated an economic impact of £69m, alongside £51m in destination marketing activity from being broadcast worldwide.

The study found that 49.8 per cent of the spectators who attended the golf tournament travelled from outside Scotland, while 84.8 per cent of Scottish fans came from outside Angus.

It found 62 per cent of non-Angus residents indicated they would return to the region for a break within 12 months.

The research was commissioned by golf governing body The R&A, with chief executive Martin Slumbers saying: “The Open has a proven track record of generating substantial economic benefit for the host country in which it is staged thanks to the tens of thousands of spectators who attend each year.

“The return of The Open to Carnoustie has been a great success. We enjoyed a memorable week in which we welcomed a record number of fans to one of golf’s great championship venues to witness Francesco Molinari create history by becoming the first Italian to lift the iconic Claret Jug.”

Meanwhile First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The Open Championship is synonymous with Scotland as the Home of Golf, and this year’s Open at Carnoustie once again showcased Scotland internationally as the perfect stage for major events.

“The figures released today also demonstrate the economic benefits of hosting major events and I’m pleased The 147th Open generated significant income for both the local Angus area and for the wider Scottish economy.

“We look forward to bringing The Open back to Scotland in 2021 when it returns to St Andrews, and of course we will welcome the world to Gleneagles next September for the Solheim Cup.”