The Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open is hoped will provide a “tourism legacy” to the north after being watched by keen golfers around the world.
Castle Stuart manager, Stuart McColm, last night said that the feedback on the course and the scenery during the competition had been “phenomenal”.
He said dozens of inquiries have since poured in from golfers across the UK, Europe and the US after seeing the stunning vistas on television, online and in newspapers.
The links course boasts views of the Inverness Firth and Black Isle cliffs and has a backdrop of hills and mountains in Ross-shire.
A detailed assessment of the first Scottish Open at Castle Stuart found that it brought £3.7million into the Inverness and Nairn areas alone, with £370,000 spent further afield in the Highlands. The figures are expected to be similar – if not higher – this year.
Yesterday Mr McColm said: “It’s been a fantastic week. The feedback on the course, the scenery and the area in general has been phenomenal.
“The weather has at different times shown off our wonderful location and tested the players to provide a full links experience.
“Millions of people around the world have been focused on this tournament and the Highlands of Scotland over the last four days and this has given incredible exposure which will provide a lasting legacy for tourism.
“We have received dozens of calls and e-mails already – before the tournament even finished – from people who have seen pictures of the location and are keen to come here and experience it for themselves.
“Everyone, including the staff at Castle Stuart, the European Tour, sponsors, volunteers and all those involved in providing the infrastructure to stage this great occasion deserve the highest praise”
Mr McColm added: “A big thank you to all those who came here to watch the event. Once again, we have shown that we have everything needed to host a major golf tournament in the Highlands of Scotland”.
Inverness BID Chairman Mike Smith said on Friday that there has been “a lot of increased footfall in the city centre” throughout the week, particularly in the evening with a boost in trade for hotels, bars and restaurants.
He added: “There have been a lot of benefits and it’s great to have an event like this up here. Credit has to go to the organisers and club for running this event so smoothly”.
The total attendance figure for the tournament was 41,809, which is down on previous years it has been held at Castle Stuart.
The course re-opens to the public tomorrow after staging the prestigious event for the fourth time in six years.
