The economic legacy of next year’s Ryder Cup in Central Scotland and Perthshire will be forensically examined by experts.
Everything from the benefits to businesses to cash donations to charities will be studied to establish the impact of the golf tournament across Scotland.
The Scottish Government expects the arrival of the world’s top golfers from September 26 to 28 to swell the national economy by up to £100 million.
About 45,000 spectators are expected to attend each day of the six-day Europe versus USA challenge.
Ryder Cup Europe has appointed Sheffield Hallam University’s Sport Industry Research Centre (SIRC) to do the survey. It will question spectators during and after the event, firms involved in staging and running it, businesses and local authorities providing services and media and volunteers there.
Richard Hills, Europe’s Ryder Cup director, said: “Assessing the economic impact of the Ryder Cup is of huge importance and we are confident that SIRC’s extensive research and proven methodology will highlight the value of investing in this great event to our host nation, our host venue and event partners.”
Paul Bush, chief operating officer of EventScotland, who are working with Ryder Cup Europe and the Gleneagles Hotel to deliver the event, said: “The economic impact and legacy benefits of major events is now a key driver for countries looking to bid for events.”
Mr Bush continued: “No longer is it good enough just to put on a great show and leave it at that we have to show the benefit it has brought to the country.”
Professor Simon Shibli, director of the university’s sport industry research centre, said: “Whilst spectators and television viewers see an awesome spectacle, behind the scenes there are significant economic and wider legacy benefits.
“We plan to measure these and to demonstrate the event’s value to Scotland and its economy,” Mr Bush said.
Earlier this year, chairman of VisitScotland Mike Cantlay revealed: “The 2014 Ryder Cup itself is expected to generate £100 million in direct economic impact to Scotland as a whole during the week of the event alone.
“Much of that will benefit local businesses in Stirling given its proximity to Gleneagles. It is a fantastic opportunity to show what Perthshire, Stirling and Scotland as a whole has to offer visitors.
“Scotland will be in the shop window like never before.”
The final report will be available once the 2014 Ryder Cup is concluded.