We take a look at the bio of the two Captains who will be leading Europe and USA into the 2019 Solheim Cup!
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As we edge closer and closer to the inaugural Solheim Cup, and to celebrate International Women’s Day, we thought we would take a look at a brief bio of 2019 Solheim Cup captains and their staff.
Catriona Matthew, Team Europe Solheim Cup Captain
Born in Edinburgh Scotland, Catriona grew up in North Berwick along ‘Scotland’s Golf Coast’. Here she learned to play golf on the Children’s Course and the West Links. Catriona turned professional in 1995 and joined the Ladies European Tour and LPGA Tours, which she still competes in today. Over the years, she has claimed over 10 tour victories worldwide. Most notably her only Major Championship, The Women’s British Open 2009, which she won at Royal Lytham and St Anne’s. Catriona was also named Ladies European tour player of the year that year.
Having a decorated individual career, Catriona has also played a pivotal role in the European Solheim Cup team; representing Europe on 9 occasions, playing 37 matches and winning the trophy 3 times. After being vice-Captain in 2017 Catriona now finds herself captaining a European side looking to win back the trophy on Catriona’s home soil when the event is played at The Gleneagles Resort in September. The 2019 Solheim Cup Captain, Catriona will be supported by a strong and Iconic backroom of Vice Captains; Laura Davies, Suzann Peterson and Kathryn Imrie who have all achieved huge amounts in the women’s game themselves.
Julie Inkster, Team USA Solheim Cup Captain
Julie hails from California, USA and is one of the most iconic figures in the women’s game. After turning professional in 1983 Julie has claimed over 40 professional wins around the world including an incredible 7 Major victories during her illustrious career. She was also inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2000, cementing her legend status in the game.
Julie, like Catriona has played a huge part in the USA Solheim Cup team over the years. Inkster has played in 9 Solheim Cups, winning 5 of them and playing in 34 matches. Julie has also captained the USA side to triumphs in the last 2 Solheim Cups, so she knows what the event is all about. Julie Inkster will be supported by the same backroom of Vice Captains who have been with Julie for her last 2 Pat Hurst, Wendy Ward and Nancy Lopez.
Over the past 14 Solheim Cups the USA have a 9-5 advantage over the Europeans in the competition, so lets hope Catriona and her squad can close the gap on home turf ☺
European Standings
Below is a list of the European team players in qualifying spots for the event based on Solheim Cup points as of 4th March 2019. Catriona has opted for 8 automatic qualifiers and 4 captains picks.
Anne Van Dam
Georgia Hall
Charley Hull
Carlota Ciganda
Anna Nordqvist
Azahara Munoz
Caroline Masson
Pernilla Lindberg
-12. Captains picks
Solheim Cup Packages 2019
Want to be part of this amazing event? Then please check out our Solheim Cup packages that are still available. #Itallleadstothismoment
Driving into 2019…..
After another fantastic season at Fairways Scotland we look back at the great Scottish golf highlights during 2018 and what to look forward to in 2019. We hope everyone has a wonderful time over the holidays and we look forward to welcoming clients to ‘The Home of Golf’ next year!
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Scotland – The Golfing Mecca
Scotland is famous around the world for being the ‘Home of Golf’ with this year playing host to a number of marquee golf competitions across both Ladies and Gents Professional Golf.
Scottish Open 2018
It all teed off with the European Tours Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open at Gullane Golf Club East Lothian. The star-studded event attracts the world’s top players the week before The Open Championship is played. It certainly didn’t disappoint with South African Brandon Stone blowing the field away with a stunning total of -20 under par and a 4 shot winning Margin.
Spectators at the par 3 12th, Gullane, Scottish Open 2018
The Open 2018
The following week the world’s elite moved 90 mins north from Gullane to Carnoustie Championship Links to participate in the 147th Open Championship. Italian Francesco Molinari came out on top as The Champion Golfer of the year to win his first major Championship. The Italian was paired with Tiger Woods for the final round and started the day 3 shots behind the lead. With a number of players occupying 1st place throughout the day, it was the Italian who held his nerve. With a solid bogey free round of 69 Molinari won by 2 shots over fellow Europeans Rose and McIlroy.
Excitement builds at the 1st tee for the final round of The Open
Ladies Scottish Open 2018
Only 2 weeks after the Gents, the Aberdeen Standard Investment Ladies Scottish Open took place at Gullane. This event, similar to the gents is played the week before The Ladies Open, which is a Major Championship. The event attracted a strong field of the world’s best female golfers from around the world. Ariya Jutanugarn ran out a one shot winner over a sun kissed Gullane Golf Club on Sunday afternoon with a sensational score of 13 under par for 4 rounds of golf. Our PGA Pro, Peter Mitchell from Fairways Scotland was also fortunate enough to play in the Pro Am with Georgia Hall. Georgia finished 21st but then the following week travelled south to Royal Lytham and triumphed for her first Major Championship. An incredible achievement!
The Fairways Team with Women’s British Open Champion 2018, Georgia Hall
Senior Open 2018
Whilst the ladies were playing some phenomenal golf at Gullane the Senior men were taking part in The Senior Open Championship at The Old Course, St Andrews. Scotland continued to attract the world’s best golfers; this time the world’s best of the gent’s Senior tours from around the world. With a star studded field of Major winners and former world number 1’s such as Colin Montgomerie, Tom Watson and Bernhard Langer to name a few, it was going to be an exceptional event at The ‘Home of Golf’. After 3 rounds of golf and an exceptional final round of 69, the popular Spaniard, Miguel Angel Jimenez won the Senior Open Championship by 1 shot over fellow European Bernhard Langer. Miguel’s 2nd Major Championship of the year and first Senior Open Championship win.
Scottish Senior Open 2018
September came and we saw golf return to East Lothian when the Staysure Tour hosted Scottish Senior Open at Craigielaw. It was the first time the club has held an event of that magnitude and it did not disappoint. Again, a strong field including past major winners contested the 3 rounds in some great weather. The winner coming from a home-grown Scotsman Gary Orr on a score of -4 under par.
Alfred Dunhill Links Championship 2018
At the end of September, as always sees the wonderful event that is The Dunhill Links Championship. Pro-Am format where Europe’s top Professionals team up with celebrities from the world of TV, movies and sport. The event always attracts great crowds and the players love playing in this fun event. The first 3 rounds are played over a rotation of Carnoustie, Kingsbarns and The Old Course, St Andrews. After a 54-hole cut the remaining players compete in a final 18 holes over The Old Course. Popular Dane Lucas Bjerregaard won by 1 shot over a tough chasing pair of Tommy Fleetwood and Tyrell Hatton. It was the Danes 2nd European Tour win. A fitting way to bring the curtain down for Professional Tournament Golf in Scotland in 2018.
Stunning Kingsbarns Golf Links – Day 1 Dunhill 2018
Looking forward to 2019……
After the huge highs and exceptional golf played throughout the year golf returns in 2019 with many more top Professional Events. There is a new new venue for the Ladies and Men’s Aberdeen Investments Scottish Open, The Renaissance Club. But the true jewel in the crown has to be The 16th Solheim Cup being played at Gleneagles Resort in mid-September. The event sees Europe’s best lady golfers take on the best that the USA have to offer. If the Ryder Cup of 2014 is anything to go by, it will be an epic spectacle.
Solheim Cup Packages
If The Solheim Cup is something that takes your fancy then why not check out some of the Tour packages we have to offer that will allow you to enjoy the event in style. Hospitality Packages to the event are now also available.
Once again, we are looking forward to welcoming golfers from around the world to Scotland next year to experience golf where it all began. Also to the number of people travelling to attend The Solheim Cup – see you next year! 🙂
Was it all just a dream??….
We reflect on what has been a fantastic few weeks of top golf! A brief summary of Tiger’s Tour Championship win, Europe’s Ryder Cup Triumph and The Dunhill Links Championship 2018.
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Tour Championship 2018
Late September took us to the Tour Championship finals held at East Lake, Atlanta. The top 30 money winners on the PGA Tour compete for not only the grand purse and title of ‘Tour Champion’ but also the final event of the FedEx cup rankings. The leader of the season long ranking can earn himself the $10 million prize fund.
The standard of golf over the first 3 days was outstanding with many rounds in the mid 60’s. Most notably Tiger Woods who is continuing to build on his game improvement by carding rounds of 65-68-68 found himself at the top of the leaderboard by 3 shots going into the final round. Justin Rose, who was leading the FedEx rankings needed a top 5 finish to claim the FedEx cup. He was only 3 shots behind Tiger Woods at the start of the day.
Justin Rose – Fedex Champion 2018
Tiger birdied the 1st hole and then played steady par golf most of the way. His nearest challengers at the start of the day, including Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose slide back. Rose struggled all day and found himself needing a birdie over the last 2 holes to secure the FedEx trophy and the £10m cheque. Amazingly he did just that with a birdie 4 on the last hole after reaching the green in 2. A thoroughly deserved winner due to his consistency throughout the year. This win also saw him reach the dizzy heights of world No 1.
(image credit: golfweek.com)
Tiger wins Tour Championship
So, the stage was set for Tiger to close out his first win in over 5 years. After watching his lead cut to 2 shots from late charges from Dustin Johnson and Billy Horschel, Tiger was on 18 where he ripped his tee shot down the fairway. Going for the green in 2 he came up just short in the bunker. The crowds gathered round, passing by stewards and guards as they followed Tiger down the fairway; it looked like something out of a movie. Tiger played a solid bunker shot and after 2 putts for par won his first event in over 5 years, claiming his 80th tour event in total. After battling with injury and numerous operations, Tiger looked to be swinging the club as good if not better that he did in the early 2000’s.
After a string of great finishes this year, Tiger, at last got the big ‘W’ next to his name. It will be interesting to see what 2019 season has in store for him. Can he win another Major and try surpass Jack Nicklaus? Time will tell. One things for sure, its good to see him back competing again.
(image credit: sportingnews.com)
Ryder Cup 2018 – Le Golf National
After the highs of the Tour Championship the week prior in Atlanta, the golf headed to Paris for the Ryder Cup at Le Golf National. Going into the event it was apparent that the USA were favourites on paper. USA included 7 of the top 10 players in the world as well as a host of current major winners. Some pundits even thought it could be over before the Sunday singles began but that was never going to happen.
Ryder Cup – Day 1
Friday Morning Fourballs arrived and as expected the team from across the pond dominated winning the morning session 3-1. Europe’s only point came from Francesco Molinari and Tommy Fleetwood’s defeat of Tiger Woods and Patrick Reed. European Captain Thomas Bjorn must have given an almighty team talk over lunch as the Europeans battled back with a 4-0 trouncing of USA in the afternoon Foursomes. Concluding the days play at 5-3 in favour of Europe. Again, Molinari and Fleetwood secured another point with a huge 5&4 win over American hot shots Jordan Speith and Justin Thomas.
Ryder Cup – Day 2
Saturday Morning Fourballs came and the momentum was still flowing with Europe as they powered home another 3-1 win in the morning. Yet again another triumph for Molinari and Fleetwood as they convincingly took care of Tiger Woods and Patrick Reed AGAIN! Saturday Afternoon Fourballs couldn’t come quick enough for the USA and a fightback had to come to give them any chance of winning the trophy heading into the Sunday singles. However the afternoon fourballs were tied at 2-2 taking the score to 10-6 going into the Sunday single. Yes, yet again the dream pairing, Molinari and Fleetwood claim yet another point for Europe. The press now classing their partnership as a love affair and nicknaming the couple ‘Moliwood’.
Ryder Cup – Sunday
Sunday Singles began with Europe only needing 4.5 points from 12 to win the trophy back. There was a lot of red on the scoreboard early doors as the Americans started the fightback. At one point it looked as though they could very well retain the trophy. However, European passion shone through and battled back to convincingly win the Ryder Cup 17.5 – 10.5. It was a clean sweep from Francesco Molinari as he defeated Phil Mickelson 4&2. Meaning Molinari secured himself 5pts from 5 at this Ryder Cup; the first player to every do so at a Ryder Cup. The 2017 Masters Champion, Sergio Garcia also set the record for winning the most points in Ryder Cup history!
(image credit: sportinglife.com)
Dunhill Links 2018
After what was another eventful Ryder Cup, many of the players would not have long to rest as they headed over to Scotland for the Dunhill Links Championship the following week. The spectators at the Old Course, Kingsbarns and Carnoustie were able to get up close and personal to players from both Team Europe and Team USA including Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, Brooks Koepka and Tony Finau. Ryder Cup vice captains, Graeme McDowell, Luke Donald and Padraig Harrington (Europe) and Matt Kuchar (USA) were also in the field of players.
Champion 2018
Defending Champion of the last 2 years, Tyrell Hatton looked close to making it a hat-trick. However it was Lucas Bjerregaard that came out on top on Sunday at The Old Course, St Andrews, with Tyrell finishing just 1 shot behind alongside Tommy Fleetwood.
Defending Champion Tyrell Hatton
Looking ahead
We now look forward to the closing finale of the European Tours Race to Dubai over the coming weeks. One thing is for sure, if the Ryder Cup is anything to go by, Golf Team events are going from strength to strength with huge crowds, great atmosphere and of course excitement like no other. Which is why we can wait already for The Solheim Cup next year at Gleneagles….
Solheim Cup 2019….Year to go!
With only 1 year to go until the 2019 Solheim Cup at Gleneagles we are officially in countdown mode! #itallleadstothismoment
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Year to Go Celebrations
The Year to Go celebrations were kicked off on Monday 6th August at Catriona Matthew’s home town of North Berwick. The European Solheim Cup Captain hosted a chipping clinic and a Q&A session at North Berwick Golf Club. Afterwards there was a walking Trophy Tour of North Berwick.
The following day saw Catriona visiting Gleneagles to officially open The Solheim Cup Short Course. Catriona hit the first tee shot on the par 3 pitch & putt course.
Over the subsequent weeks, Year to Go roadshow events were held across Scotland in Glasgow, Dundee, Edinburgh & also Perth; leading up to the official ‘Year to Go Week’ this week!
This coming week marks a year until the start of the 16th Solheim Cup at Gleneagles, Scotland. It’s the first time the event has returned to Scotland since it was hosted at Loch Lomond in 2000. Europe came out on top 14.5 – 11.5 winners over their American rivals.
Since then, the women’s game has increased in stature and in popularity with huge prize funds available at tour events. As well as increased spectators at the course and through TV coverage. With European and American golfers winning Tour Events and Major Championships on both sides of the pond; the 2019 Solheim Cup at Gleneagles is teeing itself up to be one of the most fascinating matches in the history of the event.
What is the Solheim Cup?
The Solheim Cup is a biennial team event that is contested by 12 of the best players from Europe and 12 of the best players from the United States of America for the beautiful, Crystal Solheim Cup. The event alternates between each continent every event. It was first staged in 1990 at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club in Florida. It was also named after Karsten Solheim, the owner of golf club manufacturer PING, who played an integral part of creating the event. The event consists of 3 days of competition Match Play golf:
Day 1 –Friday
4 x Morning Foursomes Matches(where teams of 2 play alternate shot)
4 x Afternoon Four-Ball Matches(where teams of 2 play better ball)
Day 2 – Saturday
4 x Morning Foursomes Matches(where teams of 2 play alternate shot)
4 x Afternoon Four-Ball Matches(where teams of 2 play better ball)
Day 3 – Sunday
12 x Singles Matches
Europe requires 14.5 points over the 3 days to win The Solheim Cup
USA require 14 points to retain the trophy
The 2019 Solheim Cup Venue
Next years Solheim Cup will be held at the stunning 5 star Gleneagles Resort set in the Perthshire Hills of Scotland. The matches will be played over the PGA Centenary Course, which hosted the 2014 Ryder Cup as well as a number of European Tour events. The PGA Centenary Course was designed by golfing legend Jack Nicklaus. The PGA Centenary Course is over 7500 yards long with a variety of tee box options on each hole therefore allowing it to be adapted into an exciting course for Match Play competition.
Solheim Cup 2019 Packages
One thing is for sure the 2019 Solheim Cup is going to be a wonderful occasion in the golfing calendar and it’s still not too late to be a part of it. Why not check out some of The 2019 Solheim Cup Packages we have available on our website. Please also contact us if you have any questions or queries regarding any of our Solheim Cup packages. We look forward to seeing you there 🙂
Ladies Scottish Open 2018
The Ladies Scottish Open 2018 at Gullane Golf Club and Pro Am. Another fantastic week for tournament golf in Scotland!
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Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open 2018
The Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open 2018 took place at Gullane Golf Club; just a fortnight after the gents of the European Tour and The PGA Tour participated in their own event over the same course.
The Ladies Scottish Open attracted the world’s best from The LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour. This included a number of Major winners to compete for one of the largest purses on the European circuit. It was also a chance to hone their links golf skills prior to The Ladies Open Championship; which is being held at Royal Lytham St Anne’s this week.
Stunning views from the course
The Pro-Am Gullane
We were fortunate enough to be invited along by our friends at Visit Scotland to take part in the Pro-Am on the Wednesday before the tournament to play alongside the top Pro’s and experience the best of Ladies Professional Golf….and it didn’t disappoint.
Having grown up watching elite level golf on the men’s circuit and being blown away by their ability, power and talent I didn’t quite know how that would compare on the ladies’ circuit. I arrived early to the practice area to warm up. I found myself hitting balls next to some of the most well know female golfers on the planet; Michelle Wie, Paula Creamer and Laura Davies to name but a few. The thing that struck me is the deceptive power the girls have. Also just how effective and consistent their swings are and that’s before you are given a masterclass around the chipping and putting greens.
Practice time for the ladies
Georgia Hall
We were paired with a young English Pro Georgia Hall, who is rocketing her way up the world rankings. Having secured her LPGA Tour card in 2017 she finished tied for 3rd at The Ladies Open Championship at Kingsbarns. After a string of strong tournament finishes she found herself in the European Solheim Cup team. Georgia was a fantastic person to play with! We had great fun on the course and she gave great insight into her tour life.
Georgia’s chip shot onto the green at the 4th hole
After playing 18 holes with Georgia you could she had immense confidence in her own ability and quite rightly so. She has technically one of the best golf swings I’ve seen. In addition to that she packs immense power yet has a short game to die for. In my opinion Georgia has one of those swings that will keep her on tour at the highest level for many years to come; making Solheim Cup appearances and collecting Major wins along the way.
Fairways Team with Pro, Georgia Hall
We played solid enough throughout our round posting -23 under par on the Tour team competition format. However we were blown out the water by a team headed up by a legend in the ladies’ game, Paula Creamer.
Ariya Jutanugarn…Ladies Scottish Open Champion 2018!
Playing a similar layout as the gents a couple of weeks earlier, the ladies experienced a very parched fast and firm Gullane Golf Club. The leaders found themselves at -13 after 36 holes. The wind and weather then made an appearance on round 3. Which in turn caused scores to increase and peg back the leaders to -8 in this star-studded field. Ariya found herself tied for the lead going into the final round with Korea’s Amy Yang. Just one shot clear of the chasing pack. After carding a sensational final round of -5 under 66, Ariya kept the chasing pack at bay during a wet and windy day on the links and claiming her crown as Queen of the Gullane Links.
(image credit: ladieseuropeantour.com)
Visit Scotland 2019
The Ladies Scottish Open follows suit of the men in 2019 and travels a few miles down the road to the spectacular Renaissance Club and is sure to be another fantastic event in Scotland.
If you would like to attend any of these top events next year please contact us for details
Panoramic Gullane Golf Club
The Open 2018
First major win for The Champion Golfer of the year 2018, Francesco Molinari, after a fantastic 4 days at Carnoustie Golf Links. Another wonderful Open, we are already looking forward to the next….
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Francesco Molinari….Campione golfista dell’anno
The Open 2018 Championship took place over Carnoustie Golf Links in Angus, the 8th time Carnoustie has hosted the event. It was the 147th Open and it was arguably the most exciting Open Championship to be held there to date!
Over the past few months Scotland has been experiencing one of its hottest summers on record. With weeks of sunshine and warm winds the golf courses have become parched and brown; something you would expect to see on the plains of Africa. As a result of this weather courses have been playing firm and fast. Like you would imagine Open Championship Links courses to play……Carnoustie Golf Links was no exception.
1st tee at Carnoustie Golf Links
How the drama played out at The Open 2018….
Rounds 1-3
With conditions, benign and gentle drizzle in the evening, Carnoustie Golf Links was playing relatively straight forward. With balls rolling out over 100yds on the ground when hitting fairways, it was no longer a tournament for the big hitters but who could control their golf ball and plot their way around. Scoring early in the tournament was dominated by Americans and South Africans. In particular Rory McIlroy, who was the highest placed European in 11th place on day one. Tommy Fleetwood also reached into the top 3 on day 2 with an outstanding round of 65; leaving him 1 behind the leaders going into the weekend.
Tricky bunkers on the 6th hole
Saturday was most certainly moving day at Carnoustie. For instance, Justin Rose posted an early round of 64 after making the cut on the bubble with a birdie on the 18th the previous day. The low scoring didn’t end there with Italy’s Francesco Molinari and USA’s Jordan Speith carding rounds of 65 respectively after a ball striking masterclass. Then there was Tiger Woods….the 14-time Major Champion. He found himself 3 off the lead heading into Sunday with a superb -5 round of 66. Watching from behind the ropes it was clear to see he had a game plan to stick to; hitting irons off almost every tee, finding fairways, hitting greens and holing putts it looked like the Tiger of old.
Shot of the day on Saturday had to go to defending champion, Jordan Speith who drove the ball over 400yds onto the green at the Par 4 1st hole. Not bad for a guy who got a dodgy haircut a few days earlier at a Carnoustie barber! 🙂
The Final Round of The Open 2018
With a trio of Americans, Xander Schauffele, Kevin Kisner and Jordan Speith starting the final round 3 shots clear of the rest on -9, would the Carnoustie curse of no winner from the final group continue……. The wind kicked up throughout the day and was proving very tough when the final few groups teed off.
Justin Rose on the 7th, final round
A poor start from the leaders, each of them dropping a number of shots over the opening holes had them fall back into the pack of chasing players. This included Tiger Woods who made a solid start controlling his golf ball beautifully in the tough winds. He found himself tied for the lead and eventually lead the tournament by one shot after being -2 thru his 9 holes. Eddie Pepperell posted a -5 tournament score and was leader in the clubhouse. This was looking a good score to beat as the conditions worsened.
Tiger Woods made a poor start to his back 9 and dropped 3 shots. This allowed his steady playing partner Francesco Molinari into the lead. Justin Rose posted -6 in the clubhouse and Rory McIlroy enjoyed a late barrage of Birdies and an Eagle. However, Francesco Molinari held his nerve. He made 2 birdies and 16 pars on his final round, to win his first Major Championship and be crowned The Champion Golfer of the year.
Woods & Molinari on the 16th hole, final round
The Open 2018 Champion
Molinari had played 36 holes over the weekend bogey free and carding rounds of 65 and 69. Quite incredible considering the circumstances. He must have felt the pressure playing the final few tough holes knowing what he was about to achieve. It is one of the most impressive displays of ball striking and golf ball control we have seen. A thoroughly deserved winner! It’s been an exceptional year for the Italian, with him winning a few weeks prior in American and also the BMW Championship at Wentworth earlier in the year.
(image credit: sportingnews.com)
Young Scottish Talent
Another big congratulations must go to Scotland’s very own Sam Locke. He won the Silver Medal for becoming the highest placed Amateur in the field after making the cut. The way he handled the situation over the 4 tournament days, it looked like he had been on the tour for years. An exciting future ahead for the young man who is one of the pool of players from The Paul Lawrie Foundation.
We look forward to Royal Portrush in 2019
As a new Open Champion is crowned we now start to look forward to The Open Championship in 2019, which will be held at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland. The first time it has been held away from British Mainland in over 60 years. Royal Portrush has hosted The Open once before in 1951 and was won by the famous Max Faulkner. Every year The Open Championship seems to be bigger, better and more exciting. We can’t wait to see what Royal Portrush has in store for us next year over arguably one of the most picturesque Open Championship venues on the rota.
Open venue 2019 – Royal Portrush
Cangratulations Francesco Molinari and we look forward to you defending The Claret Jug at Royal Portrush. Francesco Molinari, Campione golfista dell’anno!!!!
If you are interested in attending any golf tournament events in Scotland including The Open Championship please contact us today.
The Scottish Open 2018
The curtain falls on the 2018 Aberdeen Standard Investment Scottish Open. A brief review of the fantastic event at Gullane Golf Club by Managing Director, Peter Mitchell.
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Gullane hosts the 2018 Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open
Some of the world’s best golfers descended down upon ‘Scotland’s Golf Coast’ at Gullane to compete in the 5th Rolex Series tournament of the season. Who would take home one of the most coveted titles on the European Tour Calendar, The Scottish Open?
This was the 2nd time Gullane Golf Club has hosted the Scottish Open. The first time was in 2015 and was won by USA’s Rickie Fowler. He once again took to the field this year as one of the strong favourites. Gullane offers a true test of links golf with undulating fairways, pot bunkers and subtle greens. Not to mention the fiery conditions on parched fairways caused by Scotland’s driest summer in over 30 years! With conditions playing firm causing the ball to roll out huge distances and ideal putting surfaces there was a sense that there could be a low round out there, so long as the wind didn’t kick up.
Behind the ropes
Ian Poulter teeing off
With Luke List and Rickie Fowler going low with opening rounds of 63 & 64 respectively we decided to take a trip to The Scottish Open ourselves to see how Gullane sets itself for tournament golf and its infrastructure… it didn’t disappoint. Only a 30-minute train journey from Edinburgh’s Waverley station to North Berwick, where we were shuttled 10 mins along the road to the course worked perfectly with minimal waiting. Upon entering the course, you are greeted by a passageway of bars, food outlets and activity tents until you reach the practice putting green and the 1st tee. Gullane is a great spectators course. Set on the side of Gullane Hill there are many great vantage points to watch some fantastic golf. You can also get close to the players to hear their conversations with caddies. Plus you can hear the epic noise from their ball striking!
Top players
We enjoyed following a few marquee groups including; Ian Poulter, Patrick Reid to name a few out to the furthest point of the course. The Englishmen started to make a charge up the leaderboard with Robert Rock, Eddie Pepperell and Tyrell Hatton Shooting 63’s and 64 respectively. Located at the far end of the course was the tented village – an impressive size compared to your regular tour event. There are lots of food options as well as bars, gin and champagne tents. And of course an enormous TV screen for you to enjoy the coverage of The Scottish Open whilst recharging over a cold refreshment. There are many activities for adults and children to enjoy too including; long drive challenges, putting competitions and coaching from PGA Professionals.
After a bite to eat we followed home Scotland’s very own Duncan Stewart who is attached to Turnhouse Golf Club. He shot an impressive round of 64. That set the tone for the rest of the day as the low scores continue. Finding ourselves the perfect vantage point behind the Par 3 17th green we stayed there until the conclusion of play. A fantastic day at The Scottish Open 2018!
Great day had by all!
The Curtain falls at The Scottish Open 2018….
image credit: sportinglife.com
The low scoring continued throughout Saturday and into Sunday at Gullane. With some rain and very little wind, the course was at the mercy of the pro’s. A young South African emerged from the pack as an unlikely winner. After carding 70, 64, 66 the previous 3 days Brandon Stone found himself over a 7-foot putt on the 18th green for the ‘holy grail’ in golf, a 59. Unfortunately, the putt slid by the left edge. However he becomes one of the elite few to join the ’60 scorers’ club in the history of The European Tour.
Bagging the Scottish title gets him a start in next week’s Open Championship at Carnoustie Golf Links. Also a cool £800’000 in winnings and has him knocking on the door of the top 100 in the Official World Golf Rankings. Not bad!!!
Special mention also goes out to the highest placed Scottish man Stephen Gallacher, who finished in 9th place. Also to Russell Knox and Turnhouse’s Duncan Stewart for finishing in the top half of the leaderboard.
Having played Gullane Golf Club’s courses many times in my life and also having attended many golf tournaments I was incredibly impressed the way the course was laid out for the players and the infrastructure for spectators. We are looking forward to next time already! 2019 sees the Aberdeen Investments Scottish Open move only a mile along the road to the stunning Renaissance Club. Renaissance Club is a special golf course, which I am sure will offer a similar test for the world’s best as well as a memorable experience for the spectators.
The Renaissance Club
Here we go again…The Open Championship, Carnoustie
This week’s event sets the pro’s up nicely for next week when the golfing world turns to the 3rd golf Major of the year, The Open Championship taking place at the famous Carnoustie Golf Links in Angus. Carnoustie has been given its nickname of ‘Carnastie’ over the years due to it being arguably one of the toughest tests on The Open rota. Carnoustie Golf Links requires the player to have all the aspects of his game firing on all cylinders. The top ball strikers always rise to the top when The Open is at Carnoustie. Hitting Fairways, staying out of the bunkers and a sharp short game is the key around there.
My fancy to lift the Claret Jug on Sunday night is Tommy Fleetwood. Kerry-Ann is rooting for Sergio Garcia after he came so close the last time the event was held at Carnoustie in 2007. One things for sure it will be another awesome event!!!
Carnoustie Golf Links
If you are interested in attending any golf tournament events in Scotland including; The Scottish Open & Open Championship please contact us today.
Marquee Golf Events in Scotland 2018!
We took a look at the fantastic golf tournament events happening in Scotland in 2018. Want to be there? Contact us today…
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The Open Championship
Carnoustie Golf Links 19th – 22nd July
The 147th Open Championship returns to Carnoustie for the 8th time in its history. The last time the Open was held here in 2007, it ended in a dramatic playoff. Sergio Garcia and Padraig Harrington were tied after 72 holes. Despite Harrington starting the round 6 shots behind the Spaniard, he went on to claim victory in extra holes and lifted the highly sought after, Claret Jug! Carnoustie is one of the toughest courses on the Open rota. Certainly one course that 2017 Champion Jordan Spieth will look to tame and retain his title of Champion Golfer of the Year.
Senior Open Championship
The Old Course, St Andrews 26th – 29th July
The Old Course at St Andrews has held The Open Championship a record 29 times. However this coming July will see The Senior Open Championship played there for the very first time. Defending Champion Bernhard Langer seems to breaking all the records in the senior ranks. Although he has played The Old Course many times throughout his career on tour, a win has eluded him. Could 2018 be the icing on the cake for Bernhard and his illustrious career by being crowned Senior Open Champion at the ‘Home of Golf’?….we will find out in July!!
Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open
Gullane Golf Club
12th – 15th July Men
26th – 29th July Ladies
The Aberdeen Standard Investment Scottish Open returns to the East Lothian Links of Gullane for the 2nd time. Last time was in 2015 where Rickie Fowler kept a strong field at bay with a hugely impressive golfing display. This year, defending Champion Rafa Cabrera Bello who triumphed last year at Dundonald Links will look to emulate Fowler and fend off another very strong field. Top players from all over the world will descend on Scotland to prepare for The Open at Carnoustie by scooping The Scottish Open Crown.
The Ladies Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open will also take place at Gullane just 2 weeks after the men compete. Much like the gents European Tour event; the Ladies Tour event attracts the very best female golfers from across the world to compete for the title. South Korea’s Mi Hyang Lee is the defending champion and will look to win her 2nd Scottish Title against a strong field of home grown players.
Alfred Dunhill Links Championship
Carnoustie, St Andrews & Kingsbarns
4th – 7th October
The Dunhill Links Championship has been growing in stature from year to year since its formation in 2001. Formerly the Alfred Dunhill Cup for a number of years prior. The leading 168 golfers on the Professional circuit are paired with an amateur partner. Many of which are famous for their careers in Sport, Film, TV and Music. The 4-day competition is played over a rotation of Carnoustie, Kingsbarns and The Old Course, St Andrews. The field is then reduced to the top 60 Pros and top 20 Amateurs for the final day’s play over The Old Course. 2017 Champion Tyrell Hatton will look to become the 4th English winner in the past 5 years on Scotland’s East Coast.
The Amateur Championship
Royal Aberdeen and Murcar Links
18th – 23rd June
The 123rd Amateur Championship will move to Scotland’s North East this June. The 6-day event of Strokeplay and then Matchplay will take place over the challenging Royal Aberdeen and Murcar Links. 2017’s Championship was contested over the famous links of Royal St George’s and was won by Englishman Harry Ellis, who defeated Australia’s Dylan Perry on the 2nd extra hole on an epic final day’s play. There has been some illustrious winners of The Amateur Championship over the years, many of which have gone on to win titles and Major Championships on the Professional circuit. With what will surely be a strong Scottish representation, can we see the trophy return to Scotland for the first time since Bradley Neil in 2014??… Fingers crossed 🙂
