GOLFERS are being urged to head to Scotland’s Golf Coast, with courses and the tourism industry vowing they are ‘good to go’.

The coronavirus pandemic hit the number of people who were able to visit the county, which boasts more than 20 different courses.

Now, with restrictions eased in recent weeks, it is hoped that visitors will be flocking back to East Lothian’s fairways, including courses such as 16-time Open venue Muirfield and this year’s Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open host The Renaissance Club.

David Cockerton, owner of Garleton Lodge, was among those looking to welcome people back to the county.

He said: “We are all looking forward to a successful year in 2021 and welcoming visitors back from across Scotland and beyond – we’re good to go.

“It has been a hugely challenging period for everyone due to the pandemic and we hope there is a demand to return to East Lothian, such is the quality of our product.

“Scotland’s Golf Coast continues to be a success and we look forward to working with all our providers to capitalise on the excitement for golf and the opportunities to travel again in 2021.”

Scotland’s Golf Coast is a private sector-led/public sector-supported business and marketing alliance with nearly 40 members, including golf clubs, accommodation providers and other local businesses.

Since the launch of a new website, scotlandsgolfcoast.com, in March 2020, website sessions are up 120 per cent and database growth up 592 per cent.

The county will again be showcased to a global audience next week when golfers from throughout the world take part in the Scottish Open.

This year’s event, which takes place from next Thursday to next Sunday (July 8 to 11), is the fifth occasion in seven years that the tournament has been held in the county, with The Renaissance Club hosting it for the last two years, and Gullane the venue in 2015 and 2018.