Fairmont St Andrews has been confirmed as the venue for the maiden event of the 2016 Long Drivers European Tour season, THE SCOTLAND LDET Championship, in what is set to be a thrilling fourth season opener in the stunning backdrop of the “Home of Golf”.
Managed by Troon®, the leader in upscale golf course management, development and marketing, Fairmont St Andrews will provide the perfect setting for the event as some of Europe’s biggest hitters in the game showcase their talents on 8th & 9th April 2016. The stunning 17th hole of the championship Kittocks course with its impressive St Andrews back drop will be transformed in to the launch pad, as professional and amateurs alike take part in the qualifying and matchplay knockout rounds.
The SCOTLAND LDET Championship will feature the likes of professional big hitters and 2015 ranking fifth and sixth place finishers Mauro Benaglio (CH) and Timo Petrasch (GER) respectively as well as Bob de Boef (HOL) and Tanguy Marionex (BEL) among others. Not only will they be competing for the first title of the year, but also for a cheque of €1,300 and all-important order of merit points. There are also separate competitions for amateur male, female and senior long drivers as well as a “Longest Ball of the Day Pro” accolade up for grabs.
“We’re delighted to host the first Scottish outing of the LDET here at Fairmont St Andrews,” commented Amy Yeates, Director of Golf, Fairmont St Andrews. “The LDET tour is a great way of getting more people into the game, everyone likes seeing the pros smash a drive.”
“Both the LDET and Fairmont St Andrews see golf as entertainment, not just an 18-hole, four hour round format. Golf needs to be fun and this event certainly pushes the boundaries! We look forward to working with the LDET tour to make this a truly memorable event for all involved, adding our own touches to the event and getting everyone involved,” continued Yeates.
Running alongside the main feature will be Fairmont St Andrews’ entertaining 16-hole Long Drive Texas Scramble competition, available to participants and spectators as they prepare for the main attraction. Delivered by the Golf Operations team, Fairmont St Andrews is no stranger to game-changing events, driven by its vision to be an enjoyable, friendly and contemporary golf venue at the heart of an iconic golfing region.
Set on a unique 520 acre coastal Scottish estate, Fairmont St Andrews features two pristinely presented championship golf courses – the Par-71, 7,192 yards Kittocks course and the Par-71, 7,230 yards Torrance course, initially created by Ryder Cup legend Sam Torrance. For the new season, golfers will have the chance to surf their way around the courses in quick fashion thanks to the facility’s fleet of GolfBoards and buggies will be used on the Torrance Course for the first time.
The long hitters, scramble participants and spectators will be able to enjoy the clubhouse with its stunning views across the town of St Andrews and The Eden Estuary. The St Andrews Bar and Grill is the perfect spot to round off a day with an informal dinner and a taste of the selection of local beers and spirits. And with over 200 lavish Scottish themed guest rooms in the elegant hotel, a luxurious Signature Spa to unwind in, everyone has an abundance of post-golf amenities including a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and relaxation room to enjoy.
For more information on Fairmont St Andrews hosting of the LDET, please visit http://www.standrewsbay.com/golf/competitions-events/competitions-events.aspx
and to enter and give the big hitters a run for their money, please visit: http://www.europeanlongdrivers.com/tournaments/scotland-ldet/championship-info
Troon Golf www.troongolf.eu