Golf in Ayrshire and Arran has teed off with the unveiling of Ayrshire Golf Scotland and its new website ayrshiregolfscotland.com. The new regional golf development group has launched its “Our golf, your way” marketing initiative aimed at promoting the region as a premier golf destination to a global audience.
Ayrshire and Arran has over 40 courses including the Open venues of Royal Troon and Trump Turnberry and the birthplace of the Open, Prestwick Golf Club.
Ayrshire Golf Scotland is already over 55 members strong – including some of the region’s finest golf and accommodation businesses – and works in partnership with Ayrshire and Arran Tourism Team, Scottish Enterprise, South Ayrshire Council and other trade industry organisations to further enhance its role in building the reputation of Scotland as ‘the home of golf’.
The launch of the initiative and website has been timed to highlight the region’s offerings in the lead up to The Open returning to Royal Troon in 2016.
Ros Halley, Ayrshire and Arran Tourism manager said, “The region is steeped in golfing tradition, from our historical championship links to our scenic hidden gems and with events such as The Ladies Scottish Open at Dundonald Links, Ricoh Ladies British Open at Trump Turnberry in 2015 and the return of The Open at Royal Troon in 2016, the world’s eyes will be firmly on this part of Scotland over the next two years.
“Golf Tourism is a key focus for the region and we are delighted to work together with Ayrshire Golf Scotland to maximize opportunities to grow visitor numbers and promote the area as a must visit golf destination”.
Ken Goodwin, Chair of Ayrshire Golf Scotland, commented, “Ayrshire and Arran is unique in the depth of experience it can offer the visiting golfer ranging from Open venues to courses suiting those with more modest abilities and all within easy reach. When combined with the heritage of Robert Burns and the areas outstanding scenery there really is something for everyone! As a partnership pulling together tourism related businesses in the area we aim to firmly establish Ayrshire and Arran as one of Scotland’s pre-eminent golfing destinations.”
Jamie Darling, Project Manager for Ayrshire Golf Scotland added, “Golf is worth £29.5m to the south west of Scotland and we’re looking to build on this through a marketing and promotional campaign highlighting key offerings and packages to our target markets both at home and abroad.
“You can play golf along our famous links coastline or amongst the rolling green hills; have a post-round dram at the Whisky Experience and settle down in one of our warm and friendly accommodation providers. It really is ‘Our Golf Your Way’.”
Ayrshire Golf Scotland www.ayrshiregolfscotland.com