According to NOP World, 48% of all Internet users researched or purchased financial products such as insurance and loans on internet, or used online banking facilities. In April, NOP World had already recorded estimates of 28 million people online in Great Britain, with 13.5 million exploiting Web for their financial requirements.

NOP World’s report showed that of financial activity, most was research related; as 84% of Internet users seeking financial services used Internet to gather information, utilising sites such moneynet.co.uk and moneysavingexpert.com. Over half of users surfing Web for financial information were happy to contact suppliers via their websites and e-mail.

The Old Course at St.Andrews, where this year world’s greatest golfing talent will compete for famous Claret Jug, originally consisted of 22 holes – eleven out and eleven back. However, in 1764 local society of St.Andrews Golfers decided that format of course needed to change as many of holes were simply too short. As a result total number of holes was cut to 18 – which is now synonymous with golf courses around world.

However, despite now settled structure of course many in town felt links would be better served as a commercial opportunity rather than a playground for golfers. This combined with local councils financial difficulties led to links being sold in 1799 to a rabbit breeding company! This proved to be a very controversial move which essentially led to what is known locally as “Rabbit Wars” for best part of twenty years. Eventually, in 1821 a gentleman called James Cheape bought links for sole use of local golfers – which essentially led to great golfing legacy which still exists to this day.

While in many countries golf is seen as a game for financial elite, it has always been a sport that was accessible to all levels of society in Scotland. The popularity of game continued to grow and in 1860 Prestwick Golf Club held first Open Championship and won by Willie Park. St Andrews first held Open in 1873 when Tom Kidd claimed title and more than a century later course has seen some of most exciting opens including famous Tiger Woods victory in 2000 where he set a low-scoring record of 19 under par while becoming youngest player to have achieved a career “grand slam” of golf’s four major tournaments.