Scotland's golf tourism trade body celebrated its fifth anniversary as the final preparations were made for the 139th Open Championship in St Andrews. Leading industry figures gathered at the Home of Golf to toast Golf Tourism Scotland (GTS) after five prolific years of campaigning on behalf of Scotland's golf tourism sector.

The reception took place just yards from the 17th green and the closing hole of the famous Old Course at St. Andrews. On hand to cut the cake was former Ryder Cup captain Sam Torrance who was joined by a list of specially invited guests and GTS members from every facet of Scotland's golf tourism industry.

According to GTS chairman Nick Hunter, it turned out to be a very special night.

"It's been a wonderful evening for everyone involved in Scottish golf tourism," he said. "GTS strives to champion the very best in Scotland's golf tourism, and over the last five years we've been able to achieve this across a range of industries. For that we should be very proud. Tonight's been an opportunity to recognise our achievements and look to the next five years."

GTS has around 130 members ranging from tour operators and travel providers to hotels and golf courses. Indeed, with representatives from both public and private sector partners and members of the media in attendance, Hunter was keen to remind the well-wishers of the upcoming communal GTS Gold Standard Awards.

"It would have been amiss of me not to mention the Gold Standard Awards," he said after his speech. "With less than 100 days to go to the big night, the nomination process has already begun. In fact, with so much quality on offer in Scotland, we expect this year's awards to be the most hotly contested yet."

Notes:
1) Golf Tourism Scotland (GTS) was formed in 2005 with the aim of raising the standards of Scotland's golf tourism in areas of product development, marketing, training and research.
2) GTS has around 130 members involved in almost every area of Scotland's golf tourism.
3) The GTS Fifth Anniversary Party was held in the clubhouse of Madras FP Rugby Club on Tuesday 13th July.
4) For more information on Golf Tourism Scotland, please visit www.golftourismscotland.com. To join GTS, visit www.golftourismscotland.com/Membership+Fees

For further quotes, interview opportunities and images contact the GTS press office at pr@golftourismscotland.com or call Yvonne Alexander on:
Office: +44 (0) 1337 858 807
Out of hours: +44 (0) 7976 369 260