VISITORS taking in Scotland’s top golf competition are set to boost East Lothian’s economy.

The abrdn Scottish Open gets under way at The Renaissance Club today (Thursday), with more than 150 of the sport’s top stars aiming to secure a slice of the $8 million prize fund.

The event, held at the course for the third consecutive year, coincides with VisitScotland’s Now is Your Time marketing campaign, encouraging Scots to explore the acclaimed destinations and locations that bring visitors from all over the world to Scotland’s shores.

East Lothian is a regular host of championship golf, with Gullane also staging the Scottish Open twice in the last seven years.

Neil Christison, regional director, VisitScotland, said: “We’re encouraging spectators attending and fans following the coverage at home this week to support the Scottish tourism and events industry and take their first golf trip here in East Lothian.

“Golf tourists, on average, spend a further £5 elsewhere in the visitor economy for every £1 spent on a green fee, so accommodation providers, hospitality and attractions all benefit from golf tourism.”

The economic value of golf tourism to East Lothian is about £20 million, excluding hosting events, and supports more than 600 jobs.

Gullane Area community councillor Malcolm Duck, representing Scotland’s Golf Coast, said: “We’re incredibly proud of what East Lothian has to offer as a golf and tourism destination and the abrdn Scottish Open is a great way of showcasing this to a global audience, as well as reminding those closer to home what they have on their own doorstep.”

As well as being broadcast to a global audience, the abrdn Scottish Open is the first time golf fans in Scotland can watch the game’s biggest names in person at a European Tour event since the pandemic.

Limited numbers of spectators are expected to be in attendance on each of the four tournament days (Thursday-Sunday), with strict Covid mitigations in place to protect both the local community and the viability of the tournament.

Meanwhile, police have urged only people with a ticket for the tournament to attend.