Scotland given Open golf boost

Lorena Ochoa won last year's Women's British Open

Scotland has secured a 10-year deal to host the Ricoh Women's British Open on at least five occasions between 2011 and 2020.

Last year's British Open was held at St Andrews and Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond said the country was an ideal location for golfing events.

"This is an exciting time for Scottish sport, with the 2014 Ryder Cup and Commonwealth Games ahead," he said.

Hosting the 2007 women's Open generated £7.5m for the Scottish economy.

Mexico's Lorena Ochoa won last year's event in Scotland and Salmond said he was looking forward to seeing the Open being held north of the Border again.

The success of the 2007 Open at St Andrews proved once again there's nowhere better to stage major golfing events than Scotland. Alex Salmond

"The success of the 2007 Open at St Andrews proved once again there's nowhere better to stage major golfing events than Scotland," he said.

"Next year Scotland will celebrate its Homecoming year and will host the Men's Open at Turnberry and the Johnny Walker Championship at Gleneagles.

"We can look forward to a decade of showcasing this country's sporting credentials and talent to the wider world."