SPEED and parking restrictions are being put in place as the Genesis Scottish Open returns to East Lothian for the sixth consecutive year.

Some of the sport’s top stars will return to The Renaissance Club from July 12-16 to battle it out for a prize fund of $9 million.

Last year’s tournament was won by Xander Schauffele, who is returning to try to retain his title but is up against world number one Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Viktor Hovland, Rickie Fowler and East Lothian’s own Grant Forrest.

READ MORE: Scottish Open: Grant Forrest ready for home support at Renaissance

Preparations are being drawn up for the tournament, which is expected to attract tens of thousands of spectators, by East Lothian Council.

During the competition, arrangements will be put in place, including a 30mph speed limit on a section of the A198 and some parking restrictions in Aberlady, Longniddry and Dirleton.

Councillor John McMillan, the local authority’s spokesman for environment, economic development and tourism, was looking forward to the event.

He said: “It’s fantastic that Scotland’s Golf Coast is once again hosting such a prestigious tournament.

“It’s an incredible boost to East Lothian both in terms of global exposure, generating interest in this area as a golfing and tourism destination, and in terms of on-the-ground economic benefit.

“Having some of the world’s top golfers here, as well as many thousands of spectators, is an enormous boost to our hospitality and tourism industry.

“Of course, it’s important to manage visitors to our coast responsibly, so we have been working with tournament organisers and our local communities to encourage sustainable transport choices but also to manage the inevitable flow of traffic.”

 

 

A free shuttle bus service will operate between Longniddry Railway Station and the venue on each public day of the tournament (Wednesday to Sunday).

In addition, scheduled bus services (X5 and 124) will stop on the A198 near the public car park entrance.

Spectators travelling by car will find public parking at Muirfield Fields on the A198 between Gullane and Dirleton, a short walk from the venue.

Road signs will also be in place to guide visitors from the A1 to The Renaissance Club.

Police Scotland Superintendent Alan Carson said: “We look forward to welcoming golf fans from around the world as we work together with local partners to ensure this is a safe and successful event.

“If you are attending the Scottish Open, please prepare your journey in advance, leaving extra time for travel and making yourself aware of any road closures or restrictions.

“There will be an increased police presence in the area over the course of the weekend and we are here to help.”

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In more detail, traffic restrictions are:

  • There will be no parking, loading or unloading on a short section of Aberlady High Street, the B1377 at Longniddry (past the train station), part of the A198 at Dirleton, running past the entrance to Archerfield Estate and part of Main Road (B1345) and Village Green Road in Dirleton between 6am and 11pm from July 11-16.
  • There will be no parking, loading or unloading at key times on some other roads in these villages, including Kitchener Crescent and Wemyss Terrace, Longniddry.
  • A temporary 30mph speed limit will be in place on parts of the A198 at Dirleton and the A198 and B1377 at Longniddry between July 11-16.