Scottish Open Returning To Castle Stuart, Then Off To Royal Aberdeen

Thanks to reader Brian for sending along the great news that Castle Stuart will host the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open again in 2013 and Royal Aberdeen will land the event in 2014.

The 18th at Royal Aberdeen (click on image to enlarge)I highly recommend both courses if you visit the region and if you want to take in a European Tour event, you'll be hard pressed to find a more wonderful tournament and town experience outside of St. Andrews than Inverness in July.

From an unbylined Scotsman story:

Castle Stuart, near Inverness, will stage the event from 11-14 July next year and, in 2014, Royal Aberdeen will host the first-ever European Tour event over the Balgownie links from 10-13 July.

Founded in 1780, Royal Aberdeen is the world’s sixth oldest golf club and the course was originally designed by Carnoustie’s Simpson brothers, Archie and Robert. It was re-bunkered and lengthened by James Braid and Hawtree and Company have now been engaged as course architects to ensure it keeps pace with the modern game.

I'm not sure if the course can get lengthened or narrowed much, but I know players will still enjoy it. As for Donald Trump's course up the road? I'm a little surprised it didn't get the 2014 slot but perhaps The Donald is aiming for something else.

Comments

[Hawkeye]

I cannot emphazise enough how pleasing this trend on the Euro Tour is - first Portrush, now Aberdeen. In the 90's, seemingly every national Open moved to potato fields with 18 flags on it, and in the 00's it was all about following the oil money. Seems like the economic downturn has made more people want to go back to the roots.

[carnaptious and camsteerie]

Or ... perhaps the players don't want to get beaten up the week before a major. By all accounts, Trump's course is a bit of a brute. Playing an established links course (that (presumably) won't be too demanding for the pros) is perfect preparation for a major held over links territory.

And Geoff, surely you must already know that nothing less than an Open itself would do for the greatest golf course in the world. Realistically though, he will probably just have to settle for a Ryder Cup instead.

[Jonathan]

I just played Trump and it is indeed hard but also world class. 18 magnificent holes. I put Trump's course on a par with Cape Kidnappers, Castle Stuart and Kingsbarns. It's waaaay better than Old Head. Also replayed Aberdeen (also played it some years ago) - it remains a not-to-miss venue. JC

[walkie talkie banks]

Inspired choice-but then again it is the sponsor's home club.
Its not that long but it is a magnificent course and unless it is flat calm all week I think it will provide a super test and great viewing

[walkie talkie banks]

All the reports coming back from Trump are that it is a world class course-albeit ridiculously hard at present.
I agree with C and C re the Ryder Cup-the PGA board members on the Ryder Cup committee are so far up the Donald's backside that you have only been able to see their feet for the last 6 months!