Will Scotland Golf Courses be overrun with American Tourists?

Scotland will make it's US television network debut this weekend and, with a huge potential audience, will Americans revisit the bonnie home of golf?

Although, according to BBC News, domestic tourism to Scotland (in 2011) rose by eight percent, an overall international decline has made it a prudent decision to advertise and join forces with US Television showing the Scottish Open (and hopefully the familiar face of Phil Mickelson... unless he MC's again).

A new television advertisement has also been created with golfers in mind to showcase not only Tartan but the beauty of the Scottish terrain (see video below).

First Minister Alex Salmond who launched this campaign said, "During the Scottish Open, we have a captive global audience of golf fans so this is the ideal opportunity to give Scottish golf the biggest ever push. The fact that the tournament is being broadcast on American network television, to tens of millions of US viewers, is a fantastic endorsement for Castle Stuart, and the Scottish Open."

I would not necessarily agree with Mr. Salmond's "captive audience" statement. With the advent of TiVo and the ability to watch TV sans commercials, Nielsen ratings report that people aren't watching broadcasts the way they once did...the percentage of people who prefer computer viewing to TV is on the rise. How many people use the mute button or pull out their smartphone as soon as a commercial comes on the screen?

Aside from TV commercials Scotland is also pushing its message online. Donald Trump is also helping to spread the word about Scotland; Robb Report voted his Aberdeenshire golf course as the best golf course in the world!

With the 2014 Ryder Cup being played at the PGA Centenary Course created by Jack Nicklaus and Scotland golf courses like Turnberry, St. Andrews Old Course and Muirfield among the dreams of anyone who has ever carried a bag of golf clubs, Scotland Welcomes the World. How will the world respond?






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Why De Rigueur Tartan is Fashion Forward Golf Clothing for The Open Championship

Scots call the pattern Tartan and use it ceremoniously as a symbol of Scottish history and pride; Americans named it Plaid while taking on a lighter approach to this centuries old textile weave. 

Both sides of the Pond do agree that, when it comes to golf, Tartan is a must-have fashion statement for players at The Open Championship.

From the ever spiffy Ian Poulter who has themed his golf clothing and his brand, IJP Design, around the tartan pattern to European Team Captain Paul McGinley who has graciously added his personal touch to a specially-made model to commemorate the 2014 Ryder Cup, tartan has made its way from a Gaelic lineage to a cultural phenomenon.

You might even spot Tiger Woods wearing the bold pattern on the golf course one day as Nike has recently registered its own Tartan "Clan Colors" in May at the BMW PGA Championship. 

The Nike Golf clothing range of tartan fashion includes everything from the expected Nike Golf shorts and pants to Nike Tartan Golf Bags!

Too casual for Tiger Woods on the Golf Course but okay at the NBA Finals

With The Open Championship announcing "Thursday is Tartan day", the majority of players will be dressed in the Tartan pant.  

This Nike Golf Plaid Pant in Squadron Blue is a good example how a player can not only look good on the golf course but feel comfortable during the entire round. A lightweight, Dri-Fit fabric combined with an understated design provides function and fashion wow:

Check out more fashion-forward golf clothing from Function18.

Photo Credit: GolfbyTourMiss.com

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