BARCLAYS PLC TO CONTINUE
SPONSORSHIP OF SCOTTISH OPEN
UNTIL 2012

Barclays PLC will continue as Title Sponsor of The Scottish Open on The European Tour International Schedule for a further six years at Loch Lomond Golf Club with the prize fund for the 2007 event from July 12-15 increasing by £500,000 to £3,000,000.
The new agreement between Barclays, The European Tour and Loch Lomond Golf Club, will ensure that The Barclays Scottish Open is played over the world renowned Tom Weiskopf-Jay Morrish course in the week immediately preceding The Open Championship until 2012 with a minimum annual prize fund of £3,000,000.
First prize in 2007 will be £500,000 - four times the amount which Denmark's Thomas Björn collected for winning the inaugural tournament at Loch Lomond Golf Club in 1996.
Barclays took over as Title Sponsors in 2002 as part of an initial five-year agreement. The firm also sponsors The Barclays tournament in Westchester New York, part of the FedEx Cup schedule, and The Barclays Singapore Open at Sentosa.
Commenting on the continued partnership, Bob Diamond, the President of Barclays PLC, said: "Golf is a significant part of the Barclays worldwide sponsorship portfolio and The Barclays Scottish Open is a real highlight. It gives us the opportunity to meet with our clients and to experience great golf in an intimate and spectacular setting.
"I am always impressed by the knowledgeable and courteous fans and volunteers who make the tournament such a special event. I couldn't be more pleased that we are continuing our partnership with The European Tour and Loch Lomond Golf Club."
The Barclays Scottish Open has become one of the most prestigious and exciting events on The European Tour International Schedule. Its timing just before The Open, its stunning, picturesque venue and the strong support of the players and spectators have ensured the tournament's continued and increasing success.
George O'Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour, said: "We are delighted that Barclays, who joined our robust family of sponsors in 2002, are intending to continue their sponsorship with The European Tour and Loch Lomond Golf Club for another six years."
The Scottish Open title is one of the most esteemed in the game of golf and the combination of a superb sponsor in Barclays, allied to our partnership with Lyle Anderson and Loch Lomond Golf Club and a prime position in the calendar just one week before The Open Championship, makes The Barclays Scottish Open one of the most eagerly anticipated tournaments on our International Schedule."
Loch Lomond Golf Club Chairman, Lyle Anderson said: "We are very pleased at the prospect of continuing our valued relationship with Barclays in the years ahead and look forward to working with them and our partners, The European Tour, to ensure The Barclays Scottish Open becomes one of the great international sporting events with a worldwide field that enjoys worldwide exposure."
Loch Lomond Golf Club, which officially opened in 1994, first hosted European Tour competition in 1996 when Thomas Björn of Denmark won the first of his nine titles to date. American Ryder Cup Captain Tom Lehman (1997), Lee Westwood of England (1998), Scotland's Colin Montgomerie (1999) and South African Ernie Els (2000) were subsequently successful.