The impact includes £47.4 million ($76.2 million) across Scotland as well as a marketing benefit of some £52.6 million ($84.6 million) from its presentation as the "Home of Golf" through TV coverage, representing a 25 per cent growth in the event's financial benefits over the last five years.

The study was commissioned by Royal & Ancient (R&A) and EventScotland, and found that St Andrews and Fife Council benefited most from the staging of the event.

It was based on 3,000 interviews, carried out with players, spectators, sponsors, organisers and the media.

R&A chief executive Peter Dawson said: "The Open Championship averages six appearances in Scotland in a ten year cycle and we are delighted that the only major Championship staged outside the United States delivers such a powerful legacy to the country recognised, the world over, as the 'Home of Golf'."

Paul Bush, EventScotland's chief operation officer, added: "Today's results are wonderful news for both Fife and Scotland.

"The Open Championship in 2010 was a spectacle for everyone who attended and the figures show the undisputed benefit to Scotland of regularly hosting one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world."

Scotland's key partners have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing consistent arrangements for the preparation and delivery of future Open Championships.

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond was particularly deilghted at the news, with golf a key component of the Scottish economy.

He said: "I am delighted that hosting this world-class championship has more than exceeded expectations and brought £100 million to our economy.

"Scotland is the home of golf so it's no surprise our sporting credentials, stunning scenery, first class tourism credentials and reputation as a world leading event destination have made last year's Open such a success.

"As we journey towards Homecoming 2014, the year in which Scotland will host the Ryder Cup, the Scottish Government and our partners will continue to work together to produce the next generation of golfers, introduce record numbers of young people to the game and also to promote Scotland as the world's greatest golfing nation."

Mike Cantlay, the chairman of EventScotland and VisitScotland, added: "The Open Championship is the perfect example of what Scotland does very well - stage world-class events that draw visitors from around the globe.

"Every golf fan wants to be at St Andrews when The Open is played, and every time it is, it delivers impressive economic results for Scotland."

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