THE Open golf championship could be held at Royal St George's at Sandwich again before 2008, it has been predicted.

Project manager Tim Ingleton told a council cabinet meeting that the championship would return to the Kent town "nearer to five than 10 years"

The council's senior engineer said he had been involved with all three championships at Sandwich in 1985 and 1993, but this summer's had been different.

Mr Ingleton added: "It was the sheer enormity of the event, the media attention, the extra traffic and the focus the Open brought to the district."

He said he had been proud of the tremendous amount of work from a whole range of organisations and bodies, public and private.

"It really was a team effort. The Open brought a huge benefit to the district and we must look at how we can capitalise on that. There is room for improvement we can bring forward next time."

Cllr Nigel Collar said: "The tournament was a massive success this July, with more than 180,000 visitors coming to Sandwich during the week.

"The event has been marvellous for the area, generating millions of pounds for the local economy and sending positive images of the district across the world.

"We are delighted at the success of the event and look forward to continuing to work in partnership with all parties to maximise the benefits of any future event, which we would welcome back with open arms at the earliest opportunity."

It has been estimated more than £17 million was spent in east Kent, with addition spending in London and the South East region totalling £17.4.

The Open created 176 full time equivalent direct jobs, with 112 from the east Kent labour force.

Spending from the event sustained or created 1,323 full-time equivalent direct and indirect jobs with local businesses in the east Kent area.