Golf's biggest stars come to Loch Lomond for the Scottish Open

Jul 10 2009 Lennox Herald (main ed)

LOCH Lomond will be overflowing with golf’s biggest stars from Thursday – with the 2009 Scottish Open boasting one of its strongest fields to date.

And leading the line-up of big players is Masters champion Angel Cabrera.

The Argentine came out on top following one of the most tense final rounds ever at the Augusta National course, taking the prestigious Green Jacket at the second play-off hole from American duo Chad Campbell and Kenny Perry, who came painfully close to becoming the oldest man to win a major championship.

However, amidst the mayhem that came after the event, Cabrera took time out of the spotlight to confirm his attendance at an event he holds in the highest regard.

“I am looking forward to returning to Loch Lomond Golf Club for the Barclays Scottish Open,” he said.

“I always enjoy the week and the golf course. I will be continuing on to the Open Championship at Turnberry, so I will have two weeks of golf in Scotland, which will be a real pleasure.”

However, three big names seem certain to miss the event, which runs until Sunday. Robert Karlsson and Trevor Immelman have both withdrawn through injuries.

Immelman’s absence is no real surprise as the 2008 US Masters winner has been struggling to overcome tendonitis in his wrist, and missed the recent US Open at Bethpage Park.

Robert Karlsson, meanwhile, has been afflicted with a build-up of liquid behind the retina of his right eye. Last year’s European number one is therefore suffering from blurred vision, and is also having problems with his balance.

“He really wants to play and we haven’t withdrawn him yet but it is not looking hopeful,” said his manager Lillian Jansson at the weekend.

“The eye is getting better – only very slowly. He needs at least two or three days’ practice before the Open and it looks like there’s a danger he won’t be able to do that.”

The third notable absentee is Barclays representative and world No.2 Phil Mickelson, who pulled out of all tournaments for the foreseeable future after his wife Amy was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.

However, joining Cabrera in the field are fellow major champions Michael Campbell, last year’s Ryder Cup captain Sir Nick Faldo, South Africans Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, as well as Aussie Geoff Ogilvy and Spain’s Jose Maria Olazabal.

And we mustn’t forget our own local hero, Helensburgh’s Gary Orr.

From that list, only Ernie Els and Retief Goosen have triumphed at Loch Lomond, with ‘The Goose’ also holding the course record with his sensational nine-under-par 62 back in 1997. And the mild South African admitted he is thrilled to be lining up there again this year.

“My family and I always enjoy our visit to the beautiful Loch Lomond,” said Goosen.

“The Barclays Scottish Open has been very special to me since I won there in 2001. The course really suits my game so it is definitely one of my favourite weeks on the schedule.”

Like Cabrera and Goosen, many of the players who grace the greens at the lochside course see the event as the perfect place to warm up in advance of the oldest, and most sought-after major championship.

All in all, the major winners who will land at the loch this year have amassed an amazing 23 major triumphs in just 24 years – proving the prestige of Scotland’s biggest event on the European Tour.

One of the biggest attractions for the crowd this year, however, will be two-time major champion ‘Big’ John Daly.

But the rowdy American, more famous for his controversial ways, drinking, breaking spectators’ cameras and, more recently, being banned from the PGA Tour for his repeated ‘bad behaviour’, appears to have toned down his act, after slimming down with the help of a gastric band.

His clothes on the other hand, are an entirely different story. It seems with the weight dropping off, Daly’s garish outfits have become the substitute for his garish behaviour.

Which should make for fun and games in the fashion stakes as well, with Ian Poulter, another snappy dresser, also expected to play.

Also for the female fans, ‘spiderman’ Camilo Villegas will be an attraction once again. Despite being without a major championship title yet, the charismatic Columbian is well known for his silky moves on the course – especially when lining up a putt.

Of course, Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell will be back at the Loch to defend his crown, and for those eager to see a Scot win on home turf, there will be plenty of Scottish stars on the line up including 2010 Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie, former Open winners Sandy Lyle and Paul Lawrie, and Marc Warren, as well as rookie Callum Macaulay.

For further information on The Barclays Scottish Open, including ticket sales, go to www.barclays scottishopen.co.uk.

Under-16s accompanied by adults will gain free admission to the tournament, parking is free to all, and there will be rail and bus links to the tournament from Glasgow city centre.