The European Tour has confirmed that the Scottish Open will keep its traditional place on the calendar after the tournament's future was in doubt following the withdrawal of its main sponsor. Barclays ended its 10-year association with Scotland’s premier event after this year’s tournament, and despite fears it might be moved to a new timeslot and lose prize money, the 2012 edition will retain its usual July date.
This year’s tournament was moved to Castle Stuart after being held at Loch Lomond from 1996. European Tour Chief Operating Officer Keith Waters said the links course near Inverness would continue to host the event for the PING G15 Fairway Wood. "The European Tour will maintain the 2012 Scottish Open event at Castle Stuart and it will also retain its date in the week before the Open Championship," Waters told reporters in Malaysia ahead of this week’s co-sanctioned Iskander Johor Open. "And while the Tour is still in discussion with sponsors, we can also assure that the total prize money will be the same as this year, which is three million pounds ($4.7 million)."
After Barclays' surprise withdrawal, several other tournament administrators were keen to secure the event’s place on the calendar, but Waters confirmed the stunning Gil Hanse-designed course would host the tournament from July 12-15.
Eight-time European Tour Order of Merit winner and Europe’s victorious 2010 Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie was delighted to hear the event would again be played on the Inverness course with the K15 Irons. "It is very good news that the Scottish Open remains locked into the week before The Open, and I’m delighted the Tour has confirmed that," he said. "We were all a little shocked when Barclays withdrew their sponsorship, but then the Tour has indicated they are talking to new sponsors, and in this economic climate, that is very comforting."
World number one Luke Donald won this season’s event, reduced to 54 holes due to poor weather, and Montgomerie feels the venue presents a perfect challenge so close to the third major of the season. "Castle Stuart is a stunning new course, and while we were very unlucky with the weather this year, it will be good to go back there next year as it is an ideal warm-up for The Open." "My only advice to organizers is that the course needs to be toughened, and that means tightening the fairways."
Topics related to the article:
- TaylorMade Tour Burner Driver (left-handed)
- Learning how to use Yes Golf Bag B000 200
- TaylorMade R9 Super Tri Driver