Donald confirms his appearance at Scottish open
World number one Luke Donald has confirmed that he will return to Castle Stuart Golf Links next July to defend the Scottish Open title which helped him make golfing history this year.
The 34 year old ends 2011 top of The European Tour’s Race to Dubai which ended on Sunday, and heading the US PGA Tour money list - the first time there has been the same winner both sides of the Atlantic.
Donald shot a stunning final round of 63 to complete a four stroke victory over Sweden’s Fredrik Andersson Hed to collect his first Scottish Open title in July.
He said: "Of course, I’m over the moon to know that the Scottish Open is going back to Castle Stuart, a course I very much enjoyed.
"I had a great time there a few months ago and picking up the trophy was a huge step in my career.
"The Scottish Open is one of the favoured tournaments on The European Tour and I can’t wait to get back there.
"Staging the event on a links encouraged a better field and to have some preparation on this type of course the week before The Open is what everyone is looking for.
"It’s a huge event on the Tour schedule and having already won the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth it gave me a significant lead in The Race to Dubai.
"Every little helps – and winning the Scottish Open was a massive help."
This year’s Scottish Open boasted one of the strongest fields on The European Tour International Schedule, with many of the world’s best players in action just a few days before The Open Championship.
Amongst those competing where Colin Montgomery, Lee Westwood, Ernie Els, Pardaig Harrington and Justin Rose.
The scene is set for a repeat performance in 2012, the week prior to The Open at Royal Lytham & St. Annes.
Confirmation of Donald’s return to defend his crown from July 12-15 over the acclaimed links near Inverness has prompted the tournament organisers to extend the winter discounted ticket offer until Friday January 20, 2012.
Full details about purchasing these ticket and hospitality offers and other events on The European Tour can be found at: www.europeantour.com/tickets or by telephoning the Ticket Hotline 0800 023 2557.