Castle Stuart set to clinch Scottish Open

A contract has finally been signed between the owners of the course and the European Tour, which has been on the lookout for a new venue since it became apparent its run at Loch Lomond had come to an end.

The 3 million event will stay in its current slot the week before the Open Championship and it is believed a three-year deal has been struck with Castle Stuart.

Keith Waters, the European Tour's director of international policy, has indicated that a full statement will be released today, when it will become apparent why it has taken more than a month since the 2011 Race to Dubai schedule was released for this piece of the jigsaw to be fitted.

Waters cited problems leaving Loch Lomond and said the release will outline in more detail why it has taken so long for Castle Stuart to finally be announced as the new home for one of the European Tour's biggest events.

The Renaissance, another new championship course in East Lothian, had also thrown its hat in the ring, but it is no secret that Castle Stuart had emerged as the favourite in recent weeks and Phil Mickelson's participation in a TV promotion for the event has confirmed that ahead of today's announcement.

The Masters champion, who is sponsored by Barclays, apparently had trouble getting the name right, referring to it as "Stuart Castle", but he has committed to playing in the event again.

"I don't know that much about Castle Stuart but, as a player sponsored by Barclays, I am looking forward to playing the tournament," said Mickelson.

"I know it's a new links course so hopefully it will be ideal preparation for the Open Championship the following week."

Castle Stuart, designed by the highly considered American architects Mark Parsinen and Gil Hanse, opened less than two years ago but has earned instant acclaim, leading to its chance to host what will be the biggest tournament by far in the Highlands to date.