Golf: Scottish Open shifts to Castle Stuart Golf Links
The 39th Scottish Open will be staged at the Castle Stuart Golf Links course instead of Loch Lomond.
The European Tour has signed a deal with the Castle Stuart Golf Club and according to that, Scottish Open 2011 will take place in a venue located near the magnificent Scottish Highlands.
The news was disclosed on Monday in a press conference by executives of European Tour and Event Scotland.
European Tour Chief Executive George O'Grady said, “It is always exciting to break new ground, and everyone at The European Tour is delighted to be staging one of our most prestigious events at a new venue which has been so widely acclaimed.”
While Paul Bush, Chief Operating Officer for EventScotland added, “EventScotland has worked closely with the European Tour throughout the venue decision for the Barclays Scottish Open next year and we are pleased that a first class venue has been identified.”
After ruling the links of Lochmond, one of the oldest events in Europe will come to Castle Stuart. This means that Castle Stuart is the seventh venue in 39 years to host the event. Before it, Downfield, St Andrews, Haggs Castle, Gleneagles, Carnoustie and
Loch Lomond had the honours.
The reason behind the change is to give the players an opportunity to play on a course similar to Royal St George where 2011 Open Championship would take place.
However, the tournament will take place at its pre-decided date, which is 7 July, 2011 with the purse of 3 million pounds. The winner will take home 500,000 pounds.
Commenting on the change of venue, Phil Mickelson said, “I know I'm looking forward to testing my game on a strong links course the week before The Open Championship and I'm sure a number of top players from the PGA Tour will be taking advantage of the opportunity.”
Apart from the 2010 Masters winner, the defending champion of the tournament will also tee-off at the event. Edoardo Molinari won the title in 2010 in a terrific triumph when he scored 12-under-par in the four-day session. Once again, the Italian will hit
irons on the fairways alongside a powerful field. According to the details given by George O'Grady, Graeme McDowell and Padraig Harrington will also be part of the field.
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