Martin Dempster: Meldrum House should keep Northern Open

THERE may have been a lack of interest from a spectator point of view but it’s to be hoped that a new agreement can be struck to 
extend the Aberdeen Asset Management Northern Open at Meldrum House.

It was a masterstroke when the decision was taken three years ago to open up places in one of the Tartan Tour’s flagship events to invited amateurs, helping them gain valuable experience competing against seasoned professionals.

From what I’ve seen, the professionals have gone out of their way to make the 
amateurs feel welcome, as was testified last week when Cawder’s Chris Kelly, a former Scottish PGA champion, and Scott Crichton, the amateur from Aberdour, were 
having a rare old chinwag coming down the last at 
Meldrum House.

My understanding is that Aberdeen Asset Management were also keen to include a couple of female amateurs in this year’s field, but, for one reason or another, that was blocked by the Scottish Ladies Golfing Association. With the initial three-year deal now at an end, talks will take place soon to discuss the event’s future. Personally, I’d like to see the tournament continue to develop at Meldrum House.

To their credit, the club have spent a lot of money to 
improve drainage and the investment paid dividends as players enjoyed a course last week that was a lot drier underfoot than the vast majority they’ve visited this season.

Another reason I’d keep the Northern Open there for the time being is that playing a tough inland course can only help the players, professionals and amateurs, who are currently gearing up for the start of the European Tour Qualifying School.