150th Open "Enormous Economic Boost" - Smith

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 16th Jul 2010

Local MSP Iain Smith with golfing legends Tom Watson and Arnold Palmer

As the 150th British Open rolls into town the eyes of the world are, once again, firmly fixed on St Andrews. The Home Of Golf has a special place in the heart of golfers and fans alike which is reflected in the huge numbers that will swarm to North East Fife this week.

Competitions of this kind enormously enhance the prestige of St Andrews and North East Fife as a premier golfing destination but it's economic role, one which may never be more important than in the wake of the most severe recession for a generation, is hugely significant.

Not only does this type of competition act as a massive tourist advert for Scotland throughout the world but it was estimated that the 2005 Open brought in the region of £32 million of direct spending to the local economy which will be a significant boost to the Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, Pubs and Restaurants of North East Fife.

There is no doubt that this special competition will be a fantastic spectacle and one which appropriately showcases this wonderful part of the world.