Come Back to Ayrshire - The Home of Open GolfComebacktoayrshire Newsletter 12 July 2009 It's a great year for golfers and anyone with an interest in golf to come back to Ayrshire.
Almost 150 years ago a group of individuals took to the sandhills of Prestwick and made Ayrshire the home of Open Golf. Today, Ayrshire boasts two out of five of The Open venues. This year, the newly refurbished Turnberry resort will play host the The Open, a world class event.
Those visiting The Open this year will have opportunities to find out more about the area including its range of links, public and parkland courses. A special 'Come Back to Ayrshire' stand will provide information on golf, tourism and the range of events taking place in Scotland's Year of Homecoming and beyond.
There will also be opportunities to discover your Scottish roots as specialists from Ayrshire Archives will be on hand to give you an insight into how to trace your family tree and discover more about geneaology.
Golf is of course one of the Homecoming pillars and the last practice day of The Open (Wed 15 July) is a special Homecoming Day.
Scotland's Year of Homecoming celebrates 250 years since the birth of Robert Burns. Burns was born in Burns Cottage, Alloway, Ayrshire, making this a "must visit" destination for all visitors in 2009. The Come Back to Ayrshire team will have lots of information on the Burns attractions in the area as well as annual Ayrshire events including, the Scottish Gold Cup Festival, Ayr Flower Show, The Burns an' a' that Festival and Alloway 1759.
The Homecoming Day will also be a great family day out with opportunities to 'Beat the Pro' at putting, have your photograph taken with The Claret Jug and see some special on screen welcomes from the world of sport.
Another special Homecoming golf related event will take place during the week of The Open and throughout the summer until 31 August 2009. Whole in One is a special golf exhibition that charts the history of Open Golf. This free exhibition takes place at Maclaurin Galleries, Rozelle Estate, Ayr and has something for all of the family to enjoy including golf artefacts and memorabilia, an interactive golf simulator and some nostalgic video clips. On a recent visit to Ayrshire golfing legend Jack Nicklaus said of the exhibition:
''The Whole in One exhibition is all about memories and rekindling the spirit of the past. I would encourage everyone with an interest in sport, their local history or those who are plain curious to have a look at the development of golf in South Ayrshire and to see some of the exhibits on show."
Jack Nicklaus
The Open provides a driving force for golf development in Ayrshire. South Ayrshire Council Leader Hugh Hunter said:
"Golf is a major asset to Ayrshire tourism. Often referred to as Scotland's Golf Coast, Ayrshire is a popular destination for golfers the world over. As well as major golfing events such as The Open, annual golf events are also organised by South Ayrshire Council bringing together locals and visitors to enjoy a sense of competition and camaraderie over a number of our courses in Ayr, Troon and Girvan and teams from Golf South Ayrshire and Junior Golf South Ayrshire (Club golf delivered by South Ayrshire Council within local primary schools) work together to develop the sport's social and recreational benefits amongst the young and young at heart!"
It is fitting that The Open comes back to Ayrshire in Scotland's Year of Homecoming and Turnberry, a luxury collection resort, newly refurbished to the highest standard will once again open its doors to provide the perfect setting. Who can forget the famous 1977 Duel in the Sun between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson. This year looks set to be just as good with so many young exciting players emerging to compete with a few returning notable old hands.
Fifteen thousand grandstand seats, more than ever before, will provide not only uninterrupted views of the golf but will also showcase the breathtaking Ailsa Craig and the stunning Ayrshire scenery that surrounds Turnberry lighthouse. People the world over will be glad that The Open has come back to Ayrshire.
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