Scotland’s Golf Coast hosting four major events

Golf enthusiasts are in for a treat this spring and summer, with a packed full schedule of events.

Scotland’s Golf Coast is excited to again be the selected venue for the three major Scottish Open Championships and the World Hickory Open Championship.

The flagship ASI Scottish Open and the ASI Ladies Scottish Open will in 2019 be staged at The Renaissance Club. This Tom Doak-designed course may have only recently celebrated its tenth anniversary but it has already hosted the Scottish Seniors Open and qualifying for The Open Championship. There is no doubt that the course will be a challenge for the world’s best men and ladies and with natural viewing platforms all around the course it will prove popular with spectators.

Last year, at Gullane, South Africa’s Brandon Stone, with a stunning final round of 60, claimed the men’s title while Ariya Jutanugarn from Thailand, won the Ladies by one shot. Brandon will defend his Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open title at The Renaissance Club this summer. Not since Colin Montgomerie in 1999 has a Scotsman won their national, will this be the year the trophy stays at home?

North Berwick’s own and Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew was the last native winner of the Ladies title in 2013 and as well as trying to win the title for the third time Catriona will be keeping a keen eye on all the European players with the Solheim Cup only one month away.

The StaySure Tour Scottish Senior Open 2019 returns to Craigielaw again this year. This will be the fifth year running that this event has been held in East Lothian. Last year Scotland’s own Gary Orr rose to the top with an exciting one shot victory ahead of England’s Paul Streeter.

Dunbar Golf Club (Photo: David J Whyte)

Hickory golf grows more popular every year and the World Hickory Open Championship will again be played over a number of East Lothian courses in October. This championship attracts a field that includes some of golf’s Major winners from all parts of the world. Sweden’s Johan Moberg was the winner in 2018 and reflecting the international appeal of the event section winners came from the USA, Finland and Scotland.

All these championships would not continue to be held on Scotland’s Golf Coast if the tournament promoters could not rely on local volunteer support and with 21 golf courses in East Lothian they know that members from each of these 21 clubs will assist in scoring and marshalling.

Knowing that these volunteers are all golfers themselves the promoters know that the jobs will be done proficiently and that the experience of the spectator will not be unnecessarily comprised. Similarly with a wide range of accommodation providers, organisers, players and spectators can be confident that their visit will be comfortable and with East Lothian recognised as Scotland’s Food and Drink County, they will be well catered for. East Lothian offers a diverse choice of accommodation, providing the perfect opportunity to rest, relax and reflect on the day’s play.

All accommodation provides easy access to East Lothian’s 21 golf courses, meaning no need to waste valuable time traveling from base to course. Spoilt for choice with 5-star luxury properties, smaller hotels, bed &; breakfast pubs and homes, self-catering apartments and even centuries-old stately homes are all on offer.

The scenic Craigielaw Golf Club

While golf is the magnet that draws many to East Lothian, the County has a lot more to offer both the golfer and just as importantly the non-golfer. In addition to its proximity to Scotland’s capital city, East Lothian boasts historic castles and battle sites mixed with a number of exciting modern excursions. And no visit to an area can be enjoyed on an empty stomach.

The visiting golfer can enjoy the quality locally grown produce served in the hotels and restaurants across the County. Locally-raised meats supplemented with locally-caught seafood are there to tempt the discerning diner, washed down with a pint of local beer or cider, or perhaps a wee dram of ‘Glenkinchie’ whisky, Scotland’s Golf Coast aims to please the contented golfer.

While all the championship courses in East Lothian attract the top players each of these courses also offers a challenge that players of all abilities can enjoy. It is not just these championship courses that attract players from all over the world to Scotland’;s Golf Coast each year, many visitor enjoy finding out about and playing the lesser know courses like Winterfield, Haddington, Castle Park and the highly rated nine hole course at Gifford. All members are looking forward to an exciting 2019 season and are keen to make sure that all visitors have a memorable visit to Scotland’s Golf Coast.

To find out more about Scotland’s Golf Coast’s Spring & Summer golf offering, click HERE.

For Spring & Summer Packages, visit https://www.golfeastlothian.com/spring-summer-packages