Open at Royal Troon hailed as 'resounding success' by police

Visitors and residents have been praised by police after the "resounding success" of the 145th Open Golf tournament at Royal Troon.

Published 18th Jul 2016

Visitors and residents have been praised by police after the "resounding success" of the 145th Open Golf tournament at Royal Troon.

A comprehensive policing plan developed and implemented in conjunction with a number of partners including the R&A, emergency services, South Ayrshire Council and Traffic Scotland to deliver a safe and secure event.

Chief Superintendent Gillian MacDonald, the event commander, said: "As the famous Claret Jug is awarded, it brings a fantastic event to its conclusion.

"The residents in Troon and its surrounding area have been amazingly supportive and cooperative and visitors have behaved extremely well and have followed transport guidance to ensure that people could enter and leave the event safely and smoothly.

"The atmosphere has been nothing short of wonderful, with everyone soaking up The Open experience both on the course and in Troon.

"I am delighted to have a led a team that has worked closely with our partners to help deliver a safe and successful event."

Around 173,000 spectators descended on Royal Troon over the course of the championship, with Sweden's Henrik Stenson creating history on Sunday as he claimed his first major title after coming out on top in a sensational shootout with former champion Phil Mickelson to win the prestigious tournament.

Stenson carded a closing 63 to become only the second player ever to finish a major on 20 under par, equalling the record set by Jason Day in last year's US PGA Championship.

His 72-hole total of 264 also beat the best in any major set by David Toms in the 2001 US PGA and was three lower than the previous Open record set by Greg Norman at Sandwich in 1993.

Royal Birkdale in Southport will host The Open Championship in 2017.