THE 152nd Open Championships at Royal Troon this summer contributed more than £40 million to the Ayrshire economy.

Golf fans from around the world descended on the region for one of the sport's biggest events, boosting the region's economy by £43.8m.

An independent study commissioned by The R&A found that the championships boosted the Scottish economy by more than £300m.

The research also showed that more than half of visitors from outside of Ayrshire said they expected to return to the region within the next year.

The study, by Sheffield Hallam University’s Sport Industry Research Centre (SIRC), found that the championship saw £87.3m in economic benefit to the country.

Separate independent research by YouGov Sport also found that £216m of destination marketing benefit was delivered for Scotland due to worldwide TV and digital coverage.

American golfer Xander Schauffele took home the coveted Claret Jug in July, in front of 258,174 spectators during the competition.

Professor Simon Shibli, SIRC director at Sheffield Hallam University, said: “We were delighted to return to Royal Troon for The 152nd Open, following our initial economic impact study at the course in 2016.

“In the intervening years spectator numbers have increased significantly, as has their spending in South Ayrshire and Scotland more widely.

“It is hugely rewarding to see research insight being used effectively to maximise the economic benefit of The Open for its host communities.”

Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&A, added: “Independent studies have proven that major championship golf delivers significant economic benefits to Scotland by driving tourism, showcasing the country to a global audience and generating income for local communities and businesses.

“The results produced by The 152nd Open at Royal Troon reinforce this and we look forward to working with our partners in government over the next 10 years to stage a number of outstanding major championships in Scotland.”

Richard Lochhead MSP, minister for business, said: “Research shows that the most recent Open, held in Troon, brought millions of pounds to the local economy, providing a transformational boost to businesses and communities.

"So, it is vital we continue to maximise Scotland’s reputation as the home of golf to secure the significant economic impact associated with these championships."

Siobhian Brown, MSP for Ayr, Prestwick and Troon, said: “The 152nd Open, which took place at Royal Troon in my constituency this July, was a significant success both locally and for Scotland as a whole.

“I was lucky enough to attend the tournament and saw first-hand the buzz around the place that was generated by the record-breaking crowd of over 250,000 spectators.

"Many of whom had travelled from outside of Scotland. It was great to welcome these people for them to see the best that Ayr, Prestwick and Troon has to offer."