HIGH-PROFILE golf events have delivered a £5.5 million upswing to the East Lothian economy this year.

The economic boost of the Aberdeen Standard Investments (ASI) Scottish Open and ASI Ladies Scottish Open, both held in East Lothian this summer, was calculated by MKA Economics on behalf of East Lothian Council.

The figures are based on visitor surveys and their resulting economic impact reports.

Nearly 80 per cent of those surveyed were visiting East Lothian specifically for the ASI Scottish Open. They came from as far afield as Hong Kong, Canada, Oman, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Ireland, South Africa, Portugal and the USA.

Councillor John McMillan, East Lothian Council’s spokesperson for economic development and tourism, said: “This is fantastic news and cements East Lothian’s reputation as Scotland’s Golf Coast.

“We were delighted to host these two tournaments this year and the fact they have brought in such a significant economic benefit makes it even more great news that East Lothian will be hosting both tournaments again in 2019.”

Many visitors were staying overnight in the area and some had played golf while visiting or would return to East Lothian to play golf.

Mr McMillan particularly welcomed the idea that further visits could be generated.

He said: “The comments from visitors who will return to East Lothian to play golf are especially welcome as it means the tournaments will continue to generate economic development for years to come, boosting trade for our wonderful golf courses and golf-related businesses, including hotels, restaurants, cafes and local shops and visitor attractions.”

The ASI Scottish Open was held in July at Gullane Golf Club and attracted 65,000 visitors.

Of those surveyed, 13 per cent were from East Lothian and about 87 per cent from outside the area.

For the ASI Scottish Ladies Open, which also took place at Gullane in July, more than 10,000 visitors attended, with only 10 per cent from the area and 78 per cent specifically visiting East Lothian for the golf.

Rory Colville, the ASI Scottish Open Championship director, said his organisation had received “overwhelmingly positive feedback from those who directly experienced the tournament”.

He added: “We hope that returning to Scotland’s Golf Coast in 2019 at The Renaissance Club continues to strengthen East Lothian’s reputation as an outstanding golfing destination.”

The two tournaments also helped to secure local tourism jobs.

Average visitor spend was £112 per person for the ASI Scottish Open and £150 for the ASI Ladies Scottish Open, safeguarding 87 and 16 local tourism jobs respectively.

Martin Gilbert, CEO of title sponsors Aberdeen Standard Investments, said: “It’s great to see this report highlighting the fact that golf continues to play an integral role for Scottish tourism.”

Golf tourism is worth £286m to the country annually, confirmed Paul Bush, VisitScotland’s director of events.

“Hosting the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish and Ladies Scottish Opens, two world-class events, only further enhances Scotland’s reputation as the home of golf,” said Mr Bush.

“We look forward to welcoming golf fans from around the world when we return to the stunning East Lothian coastline next year.”

The 2019 ASI Scottish Open takes place from July 11 to 14, followed by the ASI Ladies Scottish Open, August 8-11.