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Open worth over £70m to local economy

The 2005 British Open was worth more than £72m ($128m) to Scotland, according to an economic study released by tournament organisers on Tuesday.

The value of last year's championship at St Andrews was largely based on 40 million pounds worth of worldwide television exposure for the host country.

In addition, £32.3m went into the Scottish economy from spending by spectators, media, players and organisers, the Royal and Ancient (R&A).

"We take the Open to a different venue in the UK each year and these findings will help public bodies and local businesses prepare for the scale of the event arriving on their doorstep," said R&A director of championships David Hill in a news release.

St Andrews, the traditional home of golf, attracted 223,000 spectators last year.

The championship will be staged at Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Hoylake, this year before returning to Scotland in 2007 when Carnoustie hosts the event.

January 25, 2006