The Scottish Government has announced that the 2010 Open golf tournament, which was held at St Andrews, is set to contribute £80m to the country's economy.

According to research undertaken by the Sport Industry Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University, the tournament is expected to generate £35m in visitor spending. The place marketing effect through more than 3,000 hours' worth of global television coverage will net the country a further £45m, the study found.

First Minister Alex Salmond said: "As the only major staged outside the US, this world class championship is the jewel in the crown of our sporting calendar and continues to ensure Scotland shines on the world stage. "We have a great tradition in golf and have produced world class golfers over the years. We are working hard to bring forward the next generation of talent and ensure that Scottish golfers regularly feature at the top of the leader board at future events."

The study was commissioned by the R&A club and EventScotland.