Scotland Welcomes The 144th Open

The world's oldest major golf championship is underway and will welcome an estimated 200, 000 people.

Tourism bosses expect a £1 million windfall for hotels, restaurants and shops. The Open will also welcome its 300, 000th young person under its kids go for free policy.

Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health, visited St Andrews today and welcomed the success of The R&A’s scheme, which has seen young people accompanied by an adult given free entry since 1997:  “The Kids Go Free scheme is a tremendous policy that gives children the opportunity to see one of the world’s greatest sporting events for free. That can only help to inspire them to also pick up a club and get involved with this great sport. I am delighted that this successful scheme will welcome its 300,000th child during The 144th Open at St Andrews.

“This is the fifth time in ten years that Scotland has hosted The Open, which is a tribute to our tremendous golf courses, and the warm welcome which people can expect when they visit Scotland. There is no finer place to come to watch and play golf. I would like to thank The R&A for bringing The Open to Scotland with such regularity.

“The economic benefits of the championship to Scotland are significant, not just from the thousands of people who will be making the trip, but also from the many millions who will watch the event on global television.

“Scotland is the home of golf, and we are proud to be able to welcome the world’s greatest players back to the sport’s spiritual home, the Old Course at St Andrew’s.”