Scotland’s Golf Coast is delighted that East Lothian will be staging both the Scottish Open and Scottish Seniors Open this summer after an official announcement was made about the latter moving to Archerfield Links.
An initial two-year deal, which has the option of a two-year extension, has been struck between Archerfield and the European Senior Tour, with the pair sharing a vision to create an over-50s equivalent of the long-running Dunhill Links. The announcement means ‘Scotland’s Golf Coast’ will be hosting two national Opens in the space of eight weeks, with Gullane, of course, set to stage the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open for the first time on 9-12 July. In between, the Scottish Amateur Championship is also being held at Muirfield.
The Scottish Seniors Open will be held on 27-29 August with a prize fund of £250,000 and the event will be a pro-am format for the first two rounds before the field of 60 professionals contest the final 18 holes on their own.
As was the case with the Ladies Scottish Open when it was staged at the Dirleton venue for five years from 2010, the tournament will be played on the Fidra Links. It and the neighbouring Dirleton Links were both designed by DJ Russell, who is the Senior Tour’s committee chairman and will be lining up himself later in the year. So, too, will the likes of former Masters champion Ian Woosnam, who is no stranger to Archerfield Links, having hosted an annual charity event there for a number of years now.
Since being launched in 1993 at Royal Aberdeen, the Scottish Seniors Open has visited Newmachar, Marriott Dalmahoy, The Roxburghe near Kelso and, most recently, Fairmont St Andrews, where it was staged for the last six years.
Bob Gunning, Chairman of Scotland’s Golf Coast commented, “This is great news for East Lothian and is a testament to the quality of the golf courses here. Not only that, but Archerfield has the infrastructure to stage a high quality event of this nature and is a fitting reward for the significant investment made there over the last few years. The golf industry in East Lothian is very much looking forward to a spectacular summer of golf on Scotland’s Golf Coast. ”
Scotland’s Golf Coast is one of the best regions for golf in the world, with 22 must-play golf courses along 30 miles of stunning East Lothian coastline, offering choice to golfers of all standards and tastes. Offering year-round golf, the county offers traditional links and classic inland golf courses, many steeped in history and complimented by modern, challenging, courses. Coupled with friendly clubhouses and affordable green fees, Scotland’s Golf Coast Road provides easy access for visitors and short journeys between courses.
Scotland’s Golf Coast also has a diverse offering of accommodation to offer golfers, providing the perfect opportunity to rest, relax and unwind before enjoying another round of golf. It is a dream for visiting golfers, with all accommodation providing easy access to golf courses. Golfers will be spoiled for choice with 5-star luxury hotels, family-run bed and breakfasts, self-catering apartments or even centuries-old stately homes all on offer. No matter where you choose to stay, i.e. Greywalls, The Nether Abbey, The Open Arms, Maitlandfield House Hotel or Ducks you are guaranteed a very warm welcome and an authentic experience whilst they will look after all your golfing needs; booking golf, transport and offering advice on courses.
Located just 30 minutes east of Edinburgh, the historic capital of Scotland, East Lothian provides easy access by air, rail and road. Scotland’s Golf Coast is the sunniest and driest golfing destination in Scotland and home to the world’s oldest continuously played golf course, offering ‘Pure Golfing Perfection since 1672’.
Scotland’s Golf Coast www.golfeastlothian.com