SHOPS in Troon and Prestwick have been pulling out all the stops with golf-related window displays last week to celebrate the 145th Open at Royal Troon. 

South Ayrshire Council ran a competition for the best display and there were two winners, Silver Spoons Tearoom in Troon and Wright’s Home Hardware in Prestwick. 

Both winners received a pair of complimentary tickets to The Open, the world’s biggest golfing event. 

South Ayrshire Provost Helen Moonie said “It is clear that a lot of time and effort has gone into these displays and it was a difficult task to choose the winners. The shops really do give a warm welcome to visitors and they show just how proud we are to welcome The Open back to Royal Troon.” 

Councillor Bill Grant added: “Well done to everyone that entered the competition. The Open is a fantastic event and it has been the inspiration for some amazing shop displays. I am sure all our shops and businesses will benefit from the influx of visitors.” 

Both winners were happy that their hard work and ingenuity paid off with Aileen Gilliland from Silver Spoons saying: “The team is absolutely delighted to have won the prize in Troon. We get involved in all the window display competitions so it has been excellent for the team to win this. 

"Our display has drawn a lot people to the window and we have had some wonderful comments from customers and passers-by.” 

A spokesman for fellow winners. Wright’s Home Hardware, added: “We are delighted to win the best dressed window for The Open Golf in Prestwick. Our window was designed to look like the grandstand seating at Royal Troon. We have had wonderful feedback from our customers.” 

Up to 200,000 spectators are estimated to have descended on Troon for the world-famous event, which is estimated to bring in around £80million for the Ayrshire economy according to council leader, Bill McIntosh.

The Open Championships officially teed off last Thursday, July 14, concluding on Sunday.