Golf: Scottish Open to move to Royal Aberdeen and get prize boost

Published on 20/09/2012 00:46

The Scottish Open will return to Castle Stuart next year before moving to a new venue – Royal Aberdeen Golf Club – in 2014.

Making the announcement last night, the European Tour also confirmed a 20 per cent increase in prize money for 2013 and 2014 for the Aberdeen Asset Management-sponsored event. The fund will rise from £2.5million to £3m with the champion receiving £500,000.

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. Royal Aberdeen will be the eighth venue to host the Scottish Open since 1972, having previously staged the 2005 Senior Open, which was won by Tom Watson, and the 2011 Walker Cup, won by Great Britain and Ireland.

European Tour chief executive George O’Grady said: “We are delighted to announce details of the outstanding venues for the next two editions of the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open and to confirm a 20 per cent rise in the prize fund to £3m for 2013 and 2014.

“Castle Stuart has been popular with the players and public alike and we are pleased to return there in July before moving to Royal Aberdeen. I had the privilege of watching the 2005 Senior Open and the Walker Cup in 2011 at Royal Aberdeen, a classic and challenging links course, which will continue in the tradition of great Scottish Open venues.”

Martin Gilbert, chief executive of Aberdeen Asset Management, said: “We were immensely impressed with how Castle 
Stuart staged the 2012 Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open and we are delighted to 
be returning there in 2013 to enjoy a similarly successful tournament.

“I am also sure that Royal Aberdeen Golf Club will provide a challenging and picturesque setting in 2014 as it displays the best of links golf and is a fitting host for this great tournament.”