MORE than 173,000 came along to the 145th Open Championship at Troon last week.

The final attendance figure was 173,134, just below the level of 2004 - the last time Royal Troon hosted the event, when it stood at 176,410.

Visitors flocked from all over the world to attend the event, and many a foreign accent could be heard on the trains ferrying golf fans to Troon every ten minutes throughout the championship days, to be met by a steady stream of shuttle buses taking them to Royal Troon.

Among them were father and son David and Sandy Sansing, who had travelled all the way from Pensacola. Florida.

David, who had been to the area but never before to the Open at Troon before and was gushing in his praise. 

He said: “I have been to the area before, to Prestwick and Turnberry, but this is my first time at Troon for something likes this. Everything is wonderful.”

The American visitors were enjoying an extensive beer garden set-up at the Open - enjoyed by hundreds while the weather held - with fans lounging on huge beanbags to watch the action unfold on massive TV screens while enjoying a drink in the sun from the champagne bar or the ‘Open Arms’.

As well as the usual stores selling souvenirs of the 2016 Troon Open, many of them staffed by locals, there was also a brand new feature for this year - aimed at youngsters - called the Autograph Zone, aimed at putting them up close and personal with the top names in golf.

The feel-good factor of The Open is something the local authority hopes will bring long-term benefit for the area.

Leader of South Ayrshire Council Bill McIntosh said: “South Ayrshire was proud to be the host region for The 145th Open at Royal Troon – the ninth time the event’s been played at our famous Ayrshire links. 

“The Open’s worth an estimated £80 million to the local economy, while the longer term impact could be even greater. 

"With the eyes of the world on South Ayrshire the event presents an ongoing opportunity to showcase our beautiful scenery and heritage to a global audience. 

"In the short-term our hotels, restaurants, and shops were all extremely busy And we hope visitors took the time to see more of the local area.

“South Ayrshire Council’s currently investing £3.5 million in our golf portfolio,  This is something that will be good for locals while also encouraging sports tourism.”