Star-studded line-up confirmed for Scottish Open
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
CHAMPIONS boasting 15 major titles between them — plus the world’s number one golfer Luke Donald are in a glittering cast which will assemble at Castle Stuart golf links in just under three weeks’ time for the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open.
Following the close of entries for the tournament yesterday, reigning champion Donald took pride of place at the head of a field which includes Rich Beem, Angel Cabrera, Ernie Els, Padraig Harrington, Paul Lawrie, Sandy Lyle, Shaun Micheel, José Maria Olazábal and Louis Oosthuizen.
The event will be on from 12th to 15th July.
Irishman Harrington, winner of three major championships, arrives in Scotland fresh from a strong performance in the US Open at Olympic Club, in which he finished in a tie for fourth place, just two shots behind winner Webb Simpson.
Els returns to Castle Stuart in search of a third title to add to his victories at Loch Lomond in 2000 and 2003. The South African shot three rounds in the sixties last year and he arrives in Scotland on the back of a strong performance in the US Open where he finished ninth.
"Everyone who knows me knows that I love playing golf in Scotland and I am excited about returning to Castle Stuart," Els said.
"I thoroughly enjoyed the layout of the course last year and I played pretty well. I feel my game is coming into form and I am looking forward to contending for my third Scottish Open title."
Oosthuizen, the 2010 Open champion, makes his debut at Castle Stuart having come close to landing a second major title in April, when he lost a play-off to Bubba Watson for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National.
Olazábal, who leads Europe into action in The Ryder Cup at Medinah in September, is joined by his predecessor as captain, Colin Montgomerie — the 1999 Scottish Open winner.
Two-time major winner Cabrera of Argentina makes a rare appearance in Europe after a fine performance at Castle Stuart last year when he finished in third place.
The field also contains 18 Ryder Cup players, past and present and 12 European Tour champions.
"We are delighted that a field of the highest quality will assemble at Castle Stuart," said championship director Peter Adams.
"With the world number one and a host of major champions and tournament winners in the field, we can anticipate another superb week of world class competition on a world class links course."
Advance ticket savings are still available with adult one day tickets currently costing £30 — a reduction of £5 on the gate price. Adult season tickets are currently priced at £70, offering a £10 saving on the gate price.
Also available are tables in the Skean Dhu Hospitality Unit for 14th July and additional hospitality places in the panoramic top floor of the Castle Stuart Clubhouse on all four days priced from £219 plus VAT per person.
Full details of ticket and hospitality offers can be found at: www.europeantour.com/tickets or by calling the Ticket Hotline: +44 (0) 800 023 2557. Postal enquiries should be addresses to: European Tour Tickets; Mirren Court Three; 123 Renfrew Court Three; Paisley; PA3 4EA.
