After much consideration, the European Tour announced today that the Barclays Scottish Open will relocate from Loch Lomond Golf Club to Castle Stuart Golf Links near Inverness.  It is believed that the tournament will remain in the Highlands for 3 years and I’m sure the locals will welcome this news with open arms.  Loch Lomond has hosted the event for the last 15 years and every year was a resounding success with large crowds ever present.  I’m certain this tradition will remain now that Castle Stuart is taking over.

After its official opening in 2009, Castle Stuart has been on the receiving end of very high praise – and for what it’s worth, I was one of those who praised it.  Being awarded with the Scottish Open is acclaim of the highest order.  This is one of the European Tour’s biggest events and it attracts a top quality field on a yearly basis.  I’d like to think that it’ll attract an even higher class field now that it will be played on a links course.  This was always a major consideration for some players as the Scottish Open is played the week before The Open Championship.  Loch Lomond is an outstanding course, but the parkland layout and soft fairways haven’t suited some players’ practice regimes the week before The Open. 

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By Gary Sheppard.  Gary has been with PerryGolf for over 4 years and is one of our Golf Travel Specialists.