East Lothian’s golfing appeal doubles Cup entry

EAST Lothian’s appeal as a golfing destination has doubled the entry for the second Links Golf Cup, which starts today on Gullane No 2.

Lee Westwood at Muirfield in Gullane during last year's Open Championship. Picture: Jane Barlow

A total of 84 players from all over the United Kingdom have converged on ‘Scotland’s Golf Coast’ as they bid to follow in the spikemarks of last year’s inaugural winner, David Connachan from Castle Park.

“I am delighted the event has grown and we have managed to double the entry numbers of last year, but I am not surprised,” said organiser Andy Bowen. “I always thought a well-run, week- long amateur golf event in East Lothian would prove popular, and there is certainly enough interest already to target 120-plus next year.”

Competitors move over to Gullane No 2 tomorrow, enjoy a rest day with TPEGS duo Andrew Coltart and Gary Nicol at Archerfield Links on Wednesday before playing Longniddry and North Berwick on Thursday and Friday respectively.

“It is the scenery on the coastline as much as the golf courses that draw people,” added Bowen. “We have people who travelled today from Norfolk, Cornwall and places on the south coast.”