Byrne, Law and Stewart all land Castle Stuart berths

By MARTIN DEMPSTER
Published on 04/07/2012 00:00

A RELATIONSHIP with the event’s new sponsor from their amateur days has helped rookie professionals James Byrne, David Law and Michael Stewart secure invitations for next week’s Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open at Castle Stuart.

It’s a career-changing opportunity in the £2.5 million event for the trio, all of whom are trying to find their feet in the paid ranks, although Law, in fairness, already has a win under his belt on the third-tier EPD Tour.

Martin Gilbert, CEO of Aberdeen Asset Management said: “We are delighted to extend invitations to Michael Stewart, David Law and James Byrne for the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open.

“We have supported these ambitious young golfers since they were amateurs at the SGU, and have continued to follow their progress and back them through their recent transition to professionals.

“Giving Michael, David and James the opportunity to play in the biggest tournament on their home soil will be a fantastic experience for them and we look forward to seeing them in action at Castle Stuart next week.”

It takes the number of Scots in the field to 18, with Helensburgh’s Gary Orr having joined Craig Lee from Stirling in coming off the reserve list since the entries closed just under a fortnight ago.

Law played in the event as an amateur at Loch Lomond two years ago, since when the 21-year-old Aberdonian became the first amateur to win the Northern Open in more than 40 years.

Byrne and Stewart were both members of the winning Walker Cup team at Royal Aberdeen last year, when they also gained valuable experience of playing in professional events.

Byrne, from Banchory, tied for 22nd in the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles while Ayrshireman Stewart played in the SA Open with Ernie Els as a reward for winning the 2011 South African Amateur Championship.