Fred Couples to compete in the Barclays Scottish Open

Fred Couples has confirmed that he is to play in the £2.4 million Barclays Scottish Open, which takes place at Loch Lomond Golf Club from July 13-16, 2006. The 1992 Masters Tournament winner will join fellow Major Winners Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, Hale Irwin, Paul Lawrie, Tom Lehman, Sandy Lyle and José Maria Olazábal as they challenge defending champion, Tim Clark, for the coveted Barclays Scottish Open title.

Couples said: "I have heard so many great things about Loch Lomond and about the tournament, that I am really looking forward to coming over to Scotland next month to experience the magic for myself."

Couples, who has 15 US PGA Tour victories to his name, has enjoyed a good year so far having finished fourth in the Nissan Open in February and tied for third at The Masters Tournament in April. Tim Petrovic and John Rollins, who made their debuts at Loch Lomond in 2003, will be returning to Loch Lomond once again and conclude the American line-up at the event. News of Couples' decision to compete at Loch Lomond for the first time is expected to prompt bookings from golf fans who have not yet purchased tickets for the £2.4 million event. With the strongest international field playing in Scotland this year, golf fans are guaranteed to see some outstanding world class action.