First Minister’s £100m Ryder Cup pledge

Oct 5 2010 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

FIRST Minister Alex Salmond yesterday revealed that Perthshire could be the centre of a Ryder Cup jackpot.

The SNP figurehead claimed the local economy could be boosted by as much as £100 million when the biannual competition tees-off at Gleneagles in 2014, and attract about 45,000 fans to the Big County on each of its three days.

Mr Salmond made the announcement as another epic duel between the world’s best golfers came to a dramatic conclusion at Celtic Manor yesterday afternoon.

European captain Colin Montgomerie was pursuing the five points required to put Corey Pavin’s Americans to the sword at the start of the rain-delayed encounter’s final day.

And, although undoubtedly enthralled by the action on the course, some of the sport’s top officials gathered to discuss plans being made for when the eyes of the world will be focused on Perthshire in four year’s time.

George O’Grady, European Tour chief executive, discussed the showpiece occasion’s potential impact with Richard Hills, European Ryder Cup director, and Mr Salmond.

Representatives from tourism body, EventScotland – as well as the renowned Big County venue itself – were in attendance during the summit held at the Welsh resort.

The First Minister declared: “In 2014, the eyes of the world will be on both Perthshire, and Scotland as a whole.

“The Ryder Cup at Gleneagles will showcase our ability to host world-class events to a global audience.

“This is an excellent opportunity to attract tourism and investment to Scotland, and we’ll be welcoming the world with open arms.

“This will be the first time in more than 40 years that the prestigious tournament has been played on Scottish soil.

“And it’s the first time Scotland has hosted the Ryder Cup since it’s grown to become the third-largest sporting event in the world.

“We expect the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles to generate £100m for the economy, with an estimated 45,000 spectators expected through the gates each day.

“It’s essential we deliver the biggest event in the global golf calendar to the best of our ability, which is why planning has already begun.”

Ryder Cup director, Richard Hills, added: “Our team are working closely with EventScotland and Gleneagles, as host venue, and we are extremely confident of delivering a superb Ryder Cup worthy of Scotland, which is the home of golf.”