COUNCIL chiefs are set to pledge a further £75,000 to improve Dundonald Links ahead of the 2017 Scottish Open.

The Irvine golf course has been named as the venue for next year’s competition - the first time the Ayrshire course has hosted the event.

The competition is one of the biggest and richest events on golf’s European Tour schedule is seen as a huge coup for the course and for the town.

The course is undergoing major renovation works in preparation for hosting the huge event which has been previously won by top stars including Lee Westwood (1998), Colin Montgomerie (1999), Graeme McDowell (2008) and Martin Kaymer (2009).

In order to bring the venue up to scratch an extra £280,000-worth of improvements have been identified - with £75,000 being required from North Ayrshire Council.

North Ayrshire Council has already approved investment of £150,000 to support Loch Lomond Golf Club’s bid to host the event.

At a cabinet meeting held this week councillors were asked to approve the extra cash improve the course and facilities “to ensure that the course is fit for purpose to hold such a large and significant event.”

Karen Yeomans, Executive Director of Economy and Communities says the investment will secure Dundonald Links as a first class venue for future competitions.

She said: “These improvements should position the course as one that can hold other large and prestigious events and officers are in discussion about future events such as the Solheim cup, The Ladies British Open and a repeat of the Scottish Open.”