Business boom on west coast thanks to The Open golf in Troon

An influx of Americans, Irish, and English visitors have been staying in hotels in Largs and Inverkip to see the world's best golfers compete for the prestigious Claret Jug.

Owner of the Inverkip Hotel, Richard Dunn, says that tourists have been flocking to the area to stay in local accommodation and they are fully booked.

He said: "We are at full occupancy across the tournament which is fantastic.

"We have had a great atmosphere throughout the whole hotel in our bar and restaurant with lots of people travelling to enjoy the spectacle.

Inverkip Hotel has had a roaring trade thanks to Open Championship at Troon (Image: Newsquest)

"We have had guests from Australia, the Netherlands, England and Germany staying with us.

"I made it to The Open at Troon and had a great day, and it is super to see that it has had such a positive impact for the local area and the west coast.

"They have been sampling all the different whiskies at the bar and have had a great time staying here."

The Inverkip Hotel is one of the longest running businesses in the area having been in operation for 45 years, and is currently up for sale for offers in the region of £1.3m.

Largs businessman Ale Nardini, who owns Cafe Riva At Kip Marina, says that it has been exciting time for the local economy.

He said: "There have been Dutch, American and German golf fans come through the doors in the past few days which is great to see."

Woodhouse Hotel owners Lillian and Willie Wood (Image: Newsquest)

Lillian Wood, co-owner of the Woodhouse Hotel in Largs, said: "We have had some Americans coming as well as lot of trade from English and Irish tourists who were coming to see Rory McIlroy.

"They have been leaving early for the 6.30am train leaving Largs in order to catch the early play and they are not coming back till late at night.

"We have had a camera crew staying with us so it has been very good. We also have a golden wedding celebration on Sunday and we have had family staying so it has been a very busy week."

The Largs pub scene has also seen a boost in traffic thanks to the major golf event down the coast.

Stewart Grant, owner of The Three Reasons and The George, said that there has been a noticeable upturn with a lot of American tourists in Largs.

He said: "We have definitely noticed a big upsurge in American tourists in town.

"I think it is because it is so expensive to stay in Troon that people have been looking for alternatives and cheaper accommodation up here."