Big Four to tee up at Loch Lomond

Three out of the world’s top four golfers will tee up in The Barclays Scottish Open, to be staged at Loch Lomond Golf Club from July 10-13, 2008. World Number Two Phil Mickelson, and the third ranked Ernie Els, a double winner of the Championship, both return after finishing second and third behind Frenchman, Grégory Havret, at last year’s Championship and they will be joined by World Number Four, Adam Scott, who last played at Loch Lomond in 2005 when he finished tied 12th behind the winner, South Africa’s Tim Clark. The field also includes 2007 US Open Champion Angel Cabrera, 2007 WGC – Accenture Match Play winner Henrik Stenson, 2005 US Open Champion, Michael Campbell and 1994 and 1999 Masters Tournament Champion, José Maria Olazábal while a strong GB & I contingent is headed by two former winners, Lee Westwood and Colin Montgomerie, as well as Northern Ireland’s Darren Clarke who signalled a welcome return to form when he secured an emotional victory at the recent BMW Asian Open in China. Other 2008 European Tour champions to confirm they will play at Loch Lomond include Felipe Aguilar, John Bickerton, Mark Brown, SSP Chowrasia, Richard Finch, Martin Kaymer, Graham McDowell, Hennie Otto and 2004 champion Thomas Levet. Last year Grégory Havret defeated Mickelson in a dramatic sudden-death play-off to become the 20th golfer to claim The Barclays Scottish Open title and then left the large crowd in no doubt about what the victory meant to him. “It feels awesome to have won,” said the Frenchman after collecting the £500,000 first prize. “It’s a dream come true. I have to say that the French Open is obviously very important for me. But, after that, to win in Scotland is just something else.” Twelve months ago, Mickelson dropped a shot at the 72nd hole to fall into a tie with Havret but that has done nothing to dampen his enthusiasm for the Championship. He said: “Whilst Barclays and Lyle Anderson are involved in the Scottish Open, I intend to make it part of my annual playing schedule.” Since its inception in 1986 and its move to Loch Lomond in 1996, The Barclays Scottish Open has developed into one of the most popular events on The European Tour. Scott, who closed with a breath-taking eleven under par 61 to win this year’s Commercialbank Qatar Masters presented by Dolphin Energy, spoke for many of his peers when he said: “I am really looking forward to returning to Loch Lomond to participate in The Barclays Scottish Open. It’s a great tournament, set on a fantastic golf course and a week that the players always enjoy.” That view was shared by both Darren Clarke and Colin Montgomerie who come to Loch Lomond with high hopes of winning the title and consolidating their places in the 2008 European Ryder Cup Team. “Barclays has turned The Scottish Open into a world-class event and it is one event I really look forward to every year,” said Clarke. “As the last event before The Open, the tournament attracts one of the strongest fields on The European Tour calendar and boasts a fantastic atmosphere.” He added: “As a Barclays-backed player, I hope I can perform well and do my sponsors proud on this fantastic course.” This year, Montgomerie will arrive at Loch Lomond with lots of warm memories, having celebrated his second marriage, to fellow-Scot Gaynor Knowles, at the club back in April. “I’m really looking forward to participating in this year’s Barclays Scottish Open, the crowds are fantastic and the golf course is always in great shape,” said the Scot. “Not only does the tournament hold special memories for me having held the trophy high in 1999, but Loch Lomond was the setting for my wedding earlier this year so I’m very much looking forward to returning.” This is the thirteenth year in a row The Barclays Scottish Open has been staged at Loch Lomond, the previous winners being Thomas Björn (1996), Tom Lehman (1997), Lee Westwood (1998), Colin Montgomerie (1999), Ernie Els (2000 and 2003), Retief Goosen (2001), Eduardo Romero (2002), Thomas Levet (2004), Tim Clark (2005), Johan Edfors (2006) and Grégory Havret (2007).