MORE than 63,000 people flocked to the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open at Gullane Golf Club, ensuring an“unforgettable” occasion.

The crowd at the prestigious tournament was up on when the competition was last played at Gullane three years ago.

South African Brandon Stone was crowned champion, posting the lowest score in the event’s history, when it has been played over four rounds, in glorious East Lothian sunshine.

The competition was covered by media throughout the world and screened to millions in the USA.

Provost John McMillan, East Lothian Council’s spokesman for economic development and tourism, was among those taking in the action on Scotland’s Golf Coast.

He said: “I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say the 2018 Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open at Gullane was unforgettable.

“Once again, we were blessed with warm, dry weather which attracted a whopping 63,500 visitors to Scotland’s Golf Coast over the four days of competition, improving on attendance numbers from the last two years.

“The weather also showed Gullane at its absolute best, both to the many visitors who came to East Lothian and the huge number of people who watched the coverage on television.

“It will be interesting to find out what the economic benefit was to Gullane and East Lothian as local businesses were reporting a great trade from spectators and we even had competitor Russell Knox praising a great night’s sleep and a fantastic local breakfast during his stay – well-deserved praise for East Lothian’s first class accommodation and food and drink!”

Mr McMillan was hopeful that the tournament would leave a legacy and attract more people to the county.

He added: “I hope all the many people of all ages who visited Gullane throughout the tournament have taken home happy memories of a great four days of golf and a warm East Lothian welcome.

“I hope they’ll join us again for the ASI Ladies Scottish Open at Gullane next week and at The Renaissance Club for both tournaments when they return to East Lothian in 2019.

“This all shows that Scotland’s Golf Coast is building on its deserved worldwide reputation by attracting some of the world’s top golfers and golf fans in their droves.”

Mr McMillan attended throughout the championships last week and added: “It has been absolutely superb and to be part of this has been an absolute dream.

“I am hugely impressed by the organisation of it all – anyone walking round would say that we’re working with an organisation that is paying attention to detail.

“The volunteers, too, have been wonderful and well done to Gullane Golf Club for all their work.”

Councillor Jeremy Findlay, who lives in the village, also felt that the event had been a great success.

He said: “I think there are two aspects worthy of mention.

“The first, the Scottish Open itself, was a great event from a general tourism point of view.

“For East Lothian it was huge publicity, especially when tourism is one of the main industries in the county.

“It was being broadcast on American networks for the first time as well, previously it was just on the Golf Channel.

“Because it was a Rolex Event it was on NBC and the coverage was huge compared to the last time it was here.

“For the area as a whole, it was great and fantastic for tourism.

“The other aspect was we had a community event on the Saturday that was a way of [organisers] the European Tour saying thanks to the village as a whole.

“Over 500 people turned up for that and it was really good to see the all-round community support in the village.

“It was an absolutely fantastic event and I think I would like to add my congratulations to the organising committee because they did a fantastic job putting it all together.

“It just shows what a fantastic place it is to come and, contrary to what people think about Scotland, the weather can be extremely good. Hopefully, it will encourage more people to come to Scotland’s Golf Coast and not just golfers.

“It showed East Lothian in a good light for walkers, cyclists and just general tourism.”

Fellow ward councillor Jim Goodfellow similarly felt that the tournament had a positive impact on the county.

He said: “I think it was brilliant for showcasing the best of East Lothian.

“There was wonderful weather and a large crowd who all benefited from our superb hospitality.

“I think those businesses that catered for the golf spectators did very well.

“I think the long-term effect, I hope many more people come back to East Lothian to enjoy the obvious benefits, such as food, drink and tourism.”

However, ward colleague Jane Henderson warned that large events could not come at the price of too much disruption to businesses and local residents.

She said: “It is great for the county to have events – some of them are incredibly significant and important – but we have got to remember people live here and pay council tax.

“Therefore, it is vitally important in all events that communication between organisers, the council and everybody involved gets better and better.”

John Hendry, a member of Gullane Area Community Council who lives in the village, felt the event had been a great success.

He said: “It showed off Gullane at its best.

“I am sure the pubs and restaurants had a great time.”

Like many villagers, Mr Hendry played host to one of the players, with Jorge Campillo, who finished third at the Irish Open earlier this month, staying at his Duncur Road home.

The 32-year-old Spaniard could not quite recapture that form, finishing 32nd, but enjoyed his time in the area.

Mr Hendry said: “He went to the pub and was watching Rafael Nadal in the tennis [at Wimbledon]. He very much enjoyed it and that is what you want.”