Nostalgia: Top players swing into action

IT’S that time of the year again where golfing fans the world over will be getting themselves prepared for one of the biggest events on the calendar.
By The Newsroom
Published 27th Jun 2015, 14:07 BST
Tony Jacklin shows his disappointment at missing a birdie putt at the ninth during the British Open 1972 held at Muirfield in July 1972.Tony Jacklin shows his disappointment at missing a birdie putt at the ninth during the British Open 1972 held at Muirfield in July 1972.
Tony Jacklin shows his disappointment at missing a birdie putt at the ninth during the British Open 1972 held at Muirfield in July 1972.

The Scottish Open takes place at Gullane Golf Club for the first time from July 9-12.

The competition is set to host some of the world’s biggest names in the sport and will be an exhilarating watch for fans.

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Crowds will be flocking to see the likes of world no.1 Rory McIlroy, who will be joined in East Lothian by defending champion Justin Rose and other 2014 European Ryder Cup players in Thomas Bjorn, Jamie Donaldson, Victor Dubuisson, West Lothian’s Stephen Gallacher, Graeme McDowell and Ian Poulter.

Nick Faldo, wearing a Pringle sweater, kisses the claret jug after winning the British Open at Muirfield in July 1987.Nick Faldo, wearing a Pringle sweater, kisses the claret jug after winning the British Open at Muirfield in July 1987.
Nick Faldo, wearing a Pringle sweater, kisses the claret jug after winning the British Open at Muirfield in July 1987.

The United States contingent is led by Phil Mickelson, the 2013 Scottish Open 
champion .

Scotland’s Golf Coast, as the East Lothian stretch is known, has always been renowned for hosting major world players and producing historic golfing results.

At the 1966 Open Championship, spectators saw Jack Nicklaus win the title at nearby Muirfield, thus securing his career grand slam of major championships. At just 26, he became the youngest player to do so.

Gary Player also earned his career grand slam with his first major coming at Muirfield during the 1959 championship.

Gary Player during the British Open 1972 held at Muirfield in July 1972.Gary Player during the British Open 1972 held at Muirfield in July 1972.
Gary Player during the British Open 1972 held at Muirfield in July 1972.

In 1972, Tony Jacklin was left to rue some missed putts as he failed to clinch victory at Muirfield, with Amercian Lee Trevino retaining the Claret Jug.

Muirfield also staged The Open in 1987, and it was Nick Faldo, sporting a fetching Pringle sweater, who raised the Claret Jug for the first of three occasions, planting a kiss on its side.

Related topics:NostalgiaJack NicklausRory McIlroyEast Lothian