GOLF: Inverness Four Day Open set to return after absence of four years
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THE Inverness Golf Club Four Day Open is set to return for the first time in four years.
Organisers have confirmed the event is returning this summer and will take place from Monday, July 3 to Thursday, July 6.
The Open, which was first established in 1977, has been in hiatus for four years due the impact of the pandemic which saw the event cancelled in 2020 and failed to return in 2021 and 2022.
Top golfers from across the north and further afield are scheduled to take part in the event, which will see two qualifying rounds in the first two days, before the final two days will see the top 16 golfers take part in a matchplay tournament.
Chair of the tournament committee Barry Gunn said the club are delighted to bring the tournament back its former glory.
"We are extremely excited about the return of the Four Day Open," he said.
"For years it has been a premier tournament in the north of Scotland golfing calendar with a rich history and impressive list of winners across all sections.
"We are looking forward to showcasing our course which is already in fantastic condition and with an impressive prize fund including scratch prize of £500 and section prizes of £300 we are confident of attracting a stellar field."
First played in 1977, Donald Jamieson of Nigg Bay lifted the Rosswood Trophy defeating Scotland International Hugh Stuart in the final, driving the green at the par 4 17th to seal victory. Jamieson would later go on to win in 1980, the same year he also won the Scottish Amateur Championship at Balgownie. North East golfers enjoyed continued success with wins for Angus Moir (McDonald, 1982) and Keith Hird (Murcar, 1985).
Inverness golfer and Highland League Footballer Mike Andrew won the first of his three titles in 1983 before going on to win again in 1987 and 1990.
Other multiple winners include the current General Manager of Royal Dornoch Golf Club, Neil Hampton, who’s titles came in 1992, 1995 and 2001.
Scottish internationalist Bryan Fotheringham of Forres won in 1997, 2010 and 2013.
Newtonmore shinty player and future Scottish Seniors Captain John Fraser won the first of his two titles in 1978, repeating the feat in 1988 whilst playing out of Murcar. Also with two wins to their name are John Forbes & Stewart Wilson (both Inverness), Brent Wann (Nairn) and Allan Cameron (Fortrose & Rosemarkie).
The 2016 prizegiving saw the appearance of World Golf Championship winner and PGA Tour player Russell Knox as a special guest whilst playing in the Scottish Open at Castle Stuart. Knox won the event three years in a row from 2004.
In its 42 year history, home players have won on 24 occasions including in 1994 when Billy Maclennan became the only player to hold both 4 day and club championship titles in the same season.
The 43rd playing of the event should see the return of several past winners including MD of headline sponsor Orion Group, Paul Savage, looking to add to his victory in 1998.
