Ryder Cup 2014 'could raise £100m for Scots economy'

The 2014 Ryder Cup will be played at Gleneagles

The 2014 Ryder Cup could raise more than £100m for Scotland's economy, organisers have said.

VisitScotland said the tournament was a chance to capitalise on what was sport's third biggest event in terms of TV and media coverage.

About 45,000 spectators are expected to attend each day of the six-day challenge at Gleneagles in Perthshire.

It will mark the first time in more than 40 years that the tournament has been played on Scottish soil.

Mike Cantlay, VisitScotland chairman, said: "The Ryder Cup will undoubtedly be a huge opportunity for Scotland to capitalise on an event that will showcase Scotland to a global audience and contribute many millions to both the local and national economy."

'Huge impact'

EventScotland and VisitScotland, who are overseeing preparations for the tournament, have also unveiled a new interactive golf game developed to give potential visitors a feel for the Gleneagles course.

The game will give fans the chance to compete on the first four holes of the course, designed by Jack Nicklaus.

In addition, a film presented by comedian and radio broadcaster Des Clarke has been released to showcase Scotland's tourism and business potential.

Paul Bush OBE, at EventScotland, said: "The 2014 Ryder Cup is set to be a jewel in Scotland's golfing crown.

"We have four busy years on the golfing calendar leading up to this event, including the Ricoh Women's British Open and the Walker Cup in 2011, the Curtis Cup in 2012, and the return of The Open Championship in 2013, before the eyes of the world turn to Gleneagles in 2014.

"World class golf events in Scotland have a huge impact on the national economy and we will be working hard as the national events agency to continue to raise the standard of the tournament, and to ensure that the legacy of the matches extend well beyond 2014."