Loch Lomond Golf Club all set for Scottish Open championship

Jul 9 2010 by Andy Galloway, Lennox Herald (main ed)

THOUSANDS of golf fans are set to descend on Loch Lomond this weekend for the 10th Scottish Open to be held on the bonnie banks.

And a top-class line-up of golfers is set to make the four-day event, which starts tomorrow (Thursday), memorable.

World number two and reigning US Masters champion Phil Mickelson heads the all-star cast – and could become world number one if he wins, just in time for the British Open.

Graeme McDowell, current US Open holder, will also be in attendance.

And last year’s Scottish Open winner, Martin Kaymer, will be back to defend the trophy he won so dramatically last year.

Tournament director Peter Adams told the Lennox Herald: “We measure our ticket sales year on year, and I’m pleased to say we are slightly ahead on last year, which is a good situation in the current climate.

“Last year’s attendance for the four days, plus the pro-am tournament, was just over 80,000, so with ticket sales as they are, we would expect something similar. If the sun gets out, we might get a bit bigger.

“Loch Lomond had some difficulties during the winter with what they call ‘winter injury’ to the greens, as they were damaged by the severe weather.

“But they have come back really well, and the course is in really excellent condition now.

“It is a very big tournament now, and a big logistical operation, but everything is pretty much in order.

“We are very lucky in that we are always able to announce a very strong field. This year’s is led by Phil, who could become the world number one if he wins.

“A lot of players come to play in the Scottish Open as a prelude to the British Open. However, we have developed our own following among the players who come over to play at Loch Lomond.

“Everything is on track, and we are looking forward to an excellent week.”

Check out the Lennox Herald’s two-page Scottish Open special on pages 36 and 37.