Senior Open hailed

Nov 20 2009 Ayrshire Post (main ed)

THE SENIOR Open Championship, held at Troon in 2008, has been recognised by Event Scotland, after reaching the finals of the International Events and Festivals category of their 2009 Scottish Thistle Awards.

As one of the key golf events on the European Senior Tour, the championship was contested over the links course at Royal Troon by players from 34 countries, attracting over 41,000 spectators.

Tours were arranged for key representatives to visit local attractions such as Burns Cottage, Culzean Castle and whisky tasting at Turnberry.

Another successful and new initiative was the introduction of a family day, with a range of special activities for children.

A total of 36 tourism related businesses and events from all over Scotland were honoured at the awards, celebrating quality and innovation across a range of categories.