PEOPLE living in Troon and across South Ayrshire are being invited to give their views on the impact of the Open Championship's return to the region.

Craig Mackay, an SNP councillor for the Troon ward on South Ayrshire Council, says he wants to hear from local residents on the impact the tournament had on the area and its residents.

Councillor Mackay says he wants to know what was positive about the event and can be built on in future, but also what could be improved upon if, or hopefully when, the Open returns to Royal Troon in future.

The countdown is already on to the next major golf tournament to be held in Ayrshire, the Women's Scottish Open, which will be played over the Dundonald Links course from August 15-18.

A total of 258,174 people flocked to South Ayrshire last week to watch the world's best golfers in action at Royal Troon, with America's Xander Schauffele ending up the winner by a two-shot margin.

But Cllr Mackay says he's heard "mixed messages" from residents and businesses over the impact of the event, both in the short term and in the long run.

Cllr Mackay said: "With dismantling of the Open infrastructure now under way I'm keen to reflect on the impact such a major event had on Troon and learn lessons for future events - both good and bad.

"I'm hearing a lot of mixed messages from residents and businesses.

"I also recognise that for many people the Open week itself is an obstacle to them going about their daily business, but that for some there may be wider long-term benefits.

"I'm in no doubt the event helps keep Troon on the international map, but equally I think there's more that can be done (without diminishing the event) to lessen the impact on those who stay here or are visiting the town for reasons other than for the golf.

"It will be useful to have people's thoughts on the Open, and constructive suggestions for what could be done better."

Specific issues can be emailed to craig.mackay@south-ayrshire.gov.uk, who will ask the council that a summary of the key points raised are kept on file for a future return of the event.

This year's tournament was the first time since 2016 that Royal Troon has hosted the Open.

At present there's no indication of when, or indeed whether, the competition might come back to the course; so far the R&A has confirmed only the venues for the 2025 and 2026 tournaments, which will be played at Royal Portrush in County Antrim and Royal Birkdale on Merseyside respectively.

And with eight courses currently on the Open Championship rota it may be a while before the tournament is back in Ayrshire.