Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire should position themselves as the place to “stay and play” when The Open returns to Carnoustie in 2029, business leaders have urged.
Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce said the championship offers a major opportunity to fill hotels, attract golfers to the region’s courses and generate spending across its tourism and hospitality businesses.
The call follows yesterday’s announcement that Carnoustie will host The 157th Open from July 15-22, 2029, its ninth staging of golf’s original championship and its first since Francesco Molinari’s victory in 2018.
Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said: “The return of The Open to Carnoustie is fantastic news for Scottish tourism and a huge opportunity for Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire to position themselves as the place to ‘stay and play’ during the championship in 2029.
“Following the Tall Ships and the announcement of the World Rally Championship coming to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, this adds to a growing calendar of major events demonstrating the North-east’s capacity to help drive Scotland’s visitor economy.
“We have an outstanding tourism offer, combining spectacular coastline and countryside, castles, culture and visitor attractions with fantastic food, drink and hospitality. Our world-famous links and inland golf courses give visitors every reason to extend their stay and experience more of the region.
“With thousands of hotel bedrooms and strong road and rail connections to Carnoustie, Aberdeen is ideally placed to welcome championship visitors. Our international airport and connections through major hubs also make the region accessible from around the world.
“The opportunity now is to turn spectators into visitors who stay longer, explore further and spend with local businesses. We should be working together to ensure that when golf fans plan their trip to The Open, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire are firmly on their itinerary.”
The championship’s return continues The R&A’s partnership with the Scottish Government and VisitScotland, whose investment aims to support tourism and deliver economic and social benefits for Scotland and the host region.
First Minister John Swinney said: “The Open generates significant benefits for our economy, supports jobs and tourism, and shines a global spotlight on Scotland's people, places and outstanding golf offering.
"I congratulate everyone involved in bringing the championship back to Carnoustie and look forward to welcoming visitors from around the world to Angus in 2029.”
Carnoustie’s previous Champion Golfers include Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Tom Watson, Paul Lawrie and Pádraig Harrington.
The venue is investing in its course, facilities and visitor experience, with an ambition to secure the championship on a regular basis.
Mark Darbon, chief executive of The R&A, said: “Carnoustie is a world-class championship venue where some of golf’s greatest players have lifted the Claret Jug and the return of The Open to these famous links after more than a decade will give fans the opportunity to be part of another memorable chapter in the Championship’s history.”
Ross Blackadder, Chief Operating Officer at Carnoustie Golf Links, said, “I speak on behalf of everyone associated with Carnoustie Golf Links when I say we are beyond proud that this famous venue has been selected to host The 157th Open. This is one of the greatest honours in golf and reflects the standing of Carnoustie as a world-class championship venue.
“The Open has been part of Carnoustie’s story for almost a century, and the opportunity to welcome the world’s best players back to Angus is hugely exciting. We are already focused on delivering an outstanding Championship experience for competitors, spectators and the wider golfing community.
“Carnoustie is already associated with some of The Open’s most iconic moments and we can’t wait to enhance this legacy further when the world’s best take on Golf’s Greatest Test again in 2029. Our investment in the course, facilities and wider visitor experience reflects our ambition to continue securing the Championship on a regular basis, ensuring its legacy benefits Carnoustie and the wider region for generations to come.”