With less than a week until the world’s finest golfers take to the fairways of the St Andrews Old Course, The Courier has examined the impact the tournament is expected to have in the area.
The Open was last held in the town in 2005, when Tiger Woods secured the Claret Jug for the second time in his career.
Five years on and the Open is as popular as ever, with 220,000-230,000 spectators expected — over 10 times the town’s population and challenging the largest ever crowd in 2000.
Excitement around the event is growing, aided by the sight of impressive grandstands framing some of the most famous holes in golf.
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club (R&A) say they are pleased with how plans are progressing and look forward to the major.
A spokesman said, “We expect good numbers to enjoy all the festivities of what is the 150th anniversary of the Open Championship.
“The Open in St Andrews is particularly special and has obviously captured the imaginations of spectators.”
The R&A has announced that St Andrews will, for the first time, enforce a mobile phone ban. Metal detectors will be used to ensure no cameras or phones are smuggled in.
Security was reviewed after the chaotic scenes in the 2000 Open, also held in the town. Large crowds charged the final hole of the final day, resulting in some stewards pushing spectators in the Swilken Burn in an attempt to control the situation.
This time, crowds will not be permitted on to the fairway until the final putt is sunk.
The spokesman said, “We have moved a long way since 2000 and do not expect to see similar scenes.”
The Open is one of the world’s largest annual sporting events and generates huge sums for the local economy.
Even during the recession, over £70 million is estimated to be made, and one industry feeling an early benefit is hotels.
St Andrews has been fully booked for months, with towns and cities as far away as Perth and Edinburgh taking reservations.
The Dunvegan Hotel, metres from the Old Course on Pilmour Place, has been booked for the past five years when customers, then attending the last Open, had the foresight to ensure a room this time round.
“We get a lot of great people from the golf world come in including players, spectators and caddies who have supported us,” said Sheena Willoughby, who co-owns the business with her husband Jack.
“To see the Open return is absolutely fantastic. The golfing crowd is really nice and everyone arrives to enjoy the event which is a great week.”
A spokesman for the Old Course Hotel, which stands by the famous 17th Road Hole, said a full house was always guaranteed in Open week.
He said, “We have one client who has booked the entire hotel — which is the R&A.”