Mickelson returning once more to Castle Stuart
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FOUR-TIME major champion Phil Mickelson is once again returning to Castle Stuart to compete in this year's Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open.
The 42-year-old has been a big supporter of the links course since the event was switched from Loch Lomond to Castle Stuart in 2011.
Mickelson has appeared at the previous two Scottish Open's in the Highlands and he confirmed he will now complete the hat-trick before the tournament, which runs from 11-14th July, moves to Royal Aberdeen Golf Club next year.
The participation of the popular American is set to carry even more significance this year following the announcement that the 2013 Scottish Open will become the first regular European Tour event outside the majors and world golf championships to be shown live on a major United States TV broadcast network.
The ground-breaking agreement with NBC will complement the existing coverage of the Scottish Open on the Golf Channel as Mickelson, a huge admirer of Castle Stuart, looks to win for the first time on British soil.
"It's always a real pleasure for me to add the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open to my schedule," said Mickelson, who came within a sudden-death play-off of victory in the event in 2007.
"Playing Castle Stuart gives me a great opportunity to be competitive against a world class field on a links course the week before the British Open. Beyond that, Mark Parsinen and Gil Hanse did a wonderful job on the course.
"As golf course architects, those guys recognise that golf is not about hitting the ball longer and harder. It's about fun, creativity, memorable shots and holes that don't have to beat you up all the time.
"It should almost be a prerequisite to play Castle Stuart before you're allowed to design golf courses nowadays."
A season ticket to see Mickelson and many of The European Tour's biggest stars at this year's Scottish Open can be bought for £70 in advance of the tournament, a saving of £10 on admission at the gate. Adult day tickets are currently priced at £30, rising to £35 on the gate.
Concessions (60 and over) start at £50 for a season ticket and £20 for any one day tickets if purchased in advance. Under-16s accompanied by an adult are admitted free of charge and all car parking is also free. Entrance to the Pro-Am on Wednesday is £12 in advance and £15 on the day. Reserved grandstand seating can also be purchased immediately for the Saturday (£10) and the Sunday (£15) of the event. Hospitality packages are available as well.
Full ticket information can be found at www.aamscottishopen.com, www.europeantour.com/tickets, or by contacting the ticket hotline 0800 023 2557. Postal enquiries should be sent to: European Tour Tickets, Mirren Court Three, 123 Renfrew Court Three, Paisley, PA3 4EA.
