Scottish PGA looking for

sponsor for Northern

Open at Spey Valley

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY PGA SCOTTISH REGION
By PRESS OFFICER RON MARSHALL
As what’s euphemistically being called the world’s economic downturn continues to affect business at every level, then the Scottish Region of the Professional Golfers’ Association is scarcely immune from its impact either.
The region’s secretary, Gordon Dewar (pictured right by Cal Carson Golf Agency), in hosting the annual Hangover Lunch (Monday January 12) at Gleneagles Hotel’s Dormy House - essentially an occasion to thank sponsors and media for their support throughout the year - admitted that they were battling to sustain 2008’s level of financial support from Scottish business and commerce.
“We’re determined to maintain the degree of competition our members have become accustomed to”, said Dewar. “Our two 72-hole championships – the Northern Open and our flagship event, the Gleneagles Scottish Championship – will definitely go ahead but at the moment the Northern (again being played at the splendid Spey Valley course on the outskirts of Aviemore) is without a sponsor.
“We’ve had four generous years from a sponsor, a member of the Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle, who’s insisted on being anonymous, and he still wishes us to recognise that. All I want to say to him is that the PGA here in Scotland are extremely grateful to him for his unstinting support.
“Needless to say, we in the PGA are actively seeking a replacement, and obviously would be happy to speak to any individual or organisation wishing to come aboard and help sustain a championship that goes back to 1931.” The event will be held from May 26-29.
Former winners include the legendary Eric Brown and John Panton, plus TV pundit Ewan Murray, former Ryder Cup player Harry Bannerman, and, more recently, Alastair Forsyth. The holder, Chris Doak, is now plying his trade on the European Tour.
The Gleneagles Scottish Championship, again being played over the PGA Centenary course (June 25-28), will provide a prize fund of £55,000, and defending will be Jason McCreadie (Buchanan Castle).
The Callaway series of 36-hole events will again be on the schedule but because the company representative with whom the PGA negotiates is recovering from a motoring accident, the dates and venues have still to be finalised.
One of the encouraging elements of the schedule is the addition of four new pro-ams – at Murcar Links (June 4), Southerness (August 19), Deeside (August 21), and Drumpellier (August 22).
Other 36-hole events which will be part of the season’s Order of Merit are:
May 6 & 7: Wateraid (Kilmarnock Barassie).
June 6 & 7: Wishaw.
August 4 & 5: Deer Park Masters.
August 10 & 11: Volvo Trucks/Ayrshire Hospice