Paul McLennan MSP claimed Scotland’s summer of sport was kick-started on Thursday as the Genesis Scottish Open starts at The Renaissance Club near North Berwick providing a multi-million-pound boost to the local economy. The Commonwealth Games follow in Glasgow from July 24.
Research has shown that the championship has previously generated nearly £20m for the Scottish economy and supported over 200 jobs and with last year’s event attracting record crowds of nearly 90,000 this week’s tournament is set to provide an even bigger boost.
The Scottish Government earlier announced a package of three-year funding totalling £6.3m to continue the development of the Scottish Open through until 2028.
And the golf event comes in the middle of a summer sports programme with children and young people across the country enjoying the chance to try out a range of sports thanks to £20m of investment.
McLennan, MSP for East Lothian Coast and Lammermuirs, said: “The Scottish Open is one of the highlights of the golfing calendar and puts East Lothian on the centre stage with the world’s top players including Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler and Scotland’s own Bob MacIntyre competing on our doorstep.
“The tournament also gives our economy a multi-million boost, supports hundreds of jobs and showcases Scotland to the world.
“That’s why the Scottish Government has given further backing for the championship to continue to grow over the next three years.”
IN FOCUS: Shane Lowry drives from the first tee at the Genesis Scottish Open. Picture Nigel Duncan
