GRAEME McDOWELL PULLS OUT OF THIS WEEK'S US TOUR EVENT

FROM THE BBC SPORTS.COM WEBSITE
Graeme McDowell has pulled out of this week's US PGA Tour Wells Fargo event at Quail Hollow.
The 2010 US Open champion said that he felt "under the weather" at last week's Zurich Classic.
"Very much wanted to play Quail Hollow but didn't want to go there undercooked. Practice and rest for me this week," McDowell said on Twitter.
Rory McIlroy will be in action at the Quail Hollow event where he claimed his first US PGA Tour win in 2010.
McIlroy will defend his US Open title in six weeks' time and is expecting the Olympic Club course in San Francisco to be a tougher test than last year's Congressional venue.
The Northern Irishman knocked four shots off the US Open championship record as he shot 16 under par last year.
"The thing that made the scoring low was the fact they got so much rain before," said McIlroy.
"Last year was a bit of an exception. I'm expecting something around level par isn't going to be too far away."
That was the score with which Lee Janzen won the title the last time Olympic staged the event in 1998 - and Jack Fleck and Ben Hogan tied on seven over par back in 1955.
Pebble Beach was firm when Graeme McDowell won two years ago, with McIlroy missing the cut on that occasion.
"At that point I was not playing so well," the 22-year-old added. "I was not in control of my ball."
The recent Masters was billed as McIlroy versus Tiger Woods in some quarters, but it did not turn out like that.
"It was a two-horse race for 40th," joked McIlroy, remembering that they finished level.
Nobody has made a successful defence of the US Open since Curtis Strange in 1989.

ROYAL DUBLIN WIN INAUGURAL SCOTTISH GOLF TRAILS INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE

NEWS RELEASE
Royal Dublin members Fran O’Brien and Kieran Coghlan were victorious for Ireland as they edged to a narrow but well deserved victory in the first playing of the Scottish Golf Trails International Challenge in Aberdeen.

The tournament, organised by Banchory-based company Golfers Scotland, was staged over two days at Aboyne and Newmachar Golf Clubs in order to promote their North-east Scotland “Scottish Golf Trails."
Participants won all-expenses-paid trips to the North-east through sponsored club medals at Stavanger Golfklubb in Norway and Royal Dublin Golf Club and also by winning Durham City Golf Club’s Open tournament.
Business partners of Scottish Golf Trails, Skene House provided accommodation for the golfers who were chauffeur-driven around the region in luxury vehicles supplied by Town and County Land Rover.
Courtesy of the course was kindly granted by Aboyne and Newmachar Golf Clubs who along with Skene House and Town and County are part of the alliance created by Scottish Golf Trails to promote Aberdeen and the North- east of Scotland as a world class golf destination.
As well as enjoying the fantastic golf experience, the six-strong party were treated to a superb welcome dinner at Malmaison in Aberdeen where they were presented with commemorative engraved quaichs by Peter Carry of city jewellers Jamieson and Carry who are also involved in the Scottish Golf Trails initiative.
In addition, they enjoyed a VIP tour and taste of Scotland’s national drink at the Glen Garioch Distillery in Oldmeldrum before enjoying the best of local produce at Meldrum House Hotel.
Speaking on behalf of the visitors, winning team member Kieran Coghlan commented, “This has been a trip in a million and far exceeded all our expectations. It really was an incredible weekend and Hector and Andrew were the very best of hosts – thanks for giving me the chance to come to Aberdeen.”
Roar Kvamme, a regular business visitor to the city from Stavanger, said “Now I know what it’s like to be the Queen – whisked around Royal Deeside in a luxury Range Rover! I’ll certainly be telling all my friends about the great golf courses in the Aberdeen area.”
Commenting on the success of the project, Golfers Scotland Tours Director Andrew Shinie said, “We aim to build on this and make the International Challenge an annual event to bring visitors from around Europe and further afield to this area to showcase the huge variety of golf, castles, malt whisky distilleries and excellent food we have on offer.”
Golfers Scotland Managing Director Hector Emslie added, “When Donald Trump’s magnificent course opens shortly, visitors from all over the world will flock to this area – we must let the world know we are right up there with other regions and countries in terms of quality and value for money.”

Players participating were:

Kieran Coghlan and Fran O’Brien (Royal Dublin Golf Club)
Bernt Sverre Kvam and Roar Kvamme (Stavanger Golfklubb)
Malcolm Turnbull (Ramside Golf Club) and Phil Hood (Wearside Golf Club)

McARTHUR COMES OUT OF THE GLOAMING TO SHARE LEAD WITH CHRIS DOAK AT SPEY VALLEY

By COLIN FARQUHARSON Colin@scottishgolfview.com   Just when it looked as if  Chris Doak, the Northern Open champion of 2008 over the Aviemore course, was going to have the overnight lead all to himself, late starter - fog delayed everyone's tee time by 90min - Andrew McArthur, a from Windyhill, Glasgow, came out of the gloaming with a six-under-par 66. That gave the former Scottish amateur champion - one of three in the field - a share of the No 1 spot in the popular PGA Optical Express Tour second event over Dave Thomas's great design through the heather and pines in the Cairngorm foothills at Aviemore and on the bank of the fast-flowing River Spey. It was a long, long day after the hour and a half's delay - play did not start until 9.30am - on the opening day of what is a 36-hole Order of Merit, compared with the three-rounder first event at Dundonald Links. Doak, pictured above, a Greenock man, had seven evenly spaced out birdies - at the first, long third, long fifth, seventh, short 10th, long 13th and long 17th. To score at Spey Valley you have to keep your ball out of the heather and Doak did just that. His only bogey in halves of 33 came at the eighth. McArthur, pictured below, a good player who became an even better one after four years on the US college circuit and came back to win the Scottish amateur title, had a birdie at the second and an eagle 3 at the third before he bogeyed the short fourth. So that was the roller-coaster start out of the way and McArthur settled down after that to cover the last 11 holes in five under-par with halves of 32 (four under) and 34 (two under). He birdied the seventh, ninth, long 13th, 14th and 17th with a late bogey slip at the short 16th costing him the overnight bragging rights. Scott Henry, Scottish boys match-play champion in 2004 and 2005, then Scottish men's open amateur stroke-play title-winner in 2006, has not quite lived up to that promise as a pro but there's time yet. His round of five-under-par 67 contained two eagle 3s - at the third and 17th, five birdies (first, second, eighth, short 10th and 18th), one bogey (at the 11th) and a potentially calamitous triple bogey 8 at the long fifth. Henry unbelievably got it out in two-under-par 34 despite that 8! Craig Mathieson had the lowest outward half of the day - four-under 32 - thanks to birdies at the first, long third, short fourth, fifth, short sixth and ninth. If the Falkirk man had not bogeyed the second and eighth he could have been out in practically nothing! After the turn Mathieson could manage only two more birdies, at the fifth and long 17th after he had bogeyed the 11th. Jason McCreadie (Buchanan Castle), like Doak a past winner of the Northern Open title, is in fifth place with  a 68 which had only one bogey but he did not plunder as many birdies as the men above him.

MOST OF THE FIRST-ROUND SCORES

Par 72

66 Chris Doak (unatt), Andrew McArthur (Windyhlll).

67 Craig Matheson (Falkirk Tryst), Scott Henry (The Carrick on Loch Lomond).

68 Jason McCreadie (Buchanan Castle).

69 Callum Macaulay (Tulliallan).

70 Lloyd Saltman (Archerfield Links), Ross Kellett (unatt), Alastair Forsyth (Mearns Castle), Paul Wardell (Whitekirk), Jonathan Lomas (unatt).

71 Gavin Dear (Murrayshall), David Patrick (Elie SC), Jack Doherty (North Gailes), Greig Hutcheon (Banchory), Paul McKechnie (Braid Hills), Scott Henderson (Kings Links), David Law (Hazlehead, Conor O'Neil (Pollok (am), Andrew Oldcorn (Kings Acre), Mark King (Kingsfield).

72 Ross Harrower (Boat of Garten), Stephen Lamb (Cardrona), Alistair Brown (Whitecraigs), Mark Kerr (Marriott Dalmahoy), Robert Arnott (Bishopbriggs).

73 Graeme Brown (Montrose Links), Andrew Crerar (Panmure), Jamie McLeary (Marriott Dalmahoy), Gareth Wright (West Linton), Lorne Kelly (Prodream USA).

74 Stephen McAllister (Renaissance), Jordan Findlay (Fraserburgh), Andrew McIntyre (Ranfurly Castle), Stewart Savage (Dalmuir).

75 Norman Huguet (Musselburgh), Neil Fenwick (Dunbar), Eric Walker (Burntisland), Stephen Gray (Hayston), James Byrne (Banchory), Greg McBain (Gamola Golf), James McKinnon (Irvine), James McGhee (Duddingston), Ian Graham (Crow Wood).

76 Andrew Rollo (Moray), Stuart Morrison (Tain), Campbell Elliott (Haggs Castle), Alan Tait (Marriott Dalmahoy), Kenny Hutton (Downfield), Ian Taylor (Drumpellier), Ian P Redford senior (St Andrews New), Stuart Pardoe (Stuart Pardoe Golf).

77 Jonathan Cliff (Murrayfield), Ross Dixon (Renaissance), Iain Hanna (Strathclyde Park), Christopher Russell (Dunbar), Riccardo Scarafile (Eastwood), Craig Ronald (Carluke), David Roger (Windyhill), Craig Hugh (Linlithgow).

78 Scott Herald (Means Castle), Terry Mathieson (Murcar Links), Ian Brown (Newent).

79 Murray Urquhart (Spey Valley), Malcolm Isaacs (Nairn Dunbar), Stuart Reekie (Blairgowrie), Christopher Currie (Caldwell), Graham Forbes (unatt), Nigel Scott-Smith (Palacerigg).

80 Martin Lawrence (Newmachar), Paul Robinson (Largs), Matthew Laughtland (Bishopbriggs).

82 Ryan O'Flaherty (unatt), Peter McLachlan (Cathcart Castle), James Dick (Duddingston).

83 Paul Brookes (Pitreavie),

84 Joel Hopwood (Royal Aberdeen), Adam McCabe (Gordon Sherry Golf), Ian M Redford (St Andrews New).

85 David Laing (Craigielaw).

87 Richard Holt (Balbirnie Park), Tom Carroll (unatt)

89 Paul Gallacher (Dalmuir).

WEDNESDAY TEE TIMES FOR FINAL ROUND

All from First Tee

8.00am Paul Gallacher, Clare-Marie Macaulay, Tom Carroll
8:10     Richard Holt, David Laing. Ian M Redford
8.20     Adam McCabe, Joel Hopwood, Paul Brookes
8.30     James Dick, Peter McLachlan, Ryan O'Flaherty
8.40     Matthew Laughtland, Paul Robinson, Martin Lawrence
8.50     Nigel Scott-Smith, Graham Forbes, Christopher Currie

9.00     Stuart Reekie, Malcolm Isaacs, Murray Urquhart.
9.10     Ian Brown, Terry Mathieson, Scott Herald.
9.20     David Roger, Craig Haugh, Craig Ronald.
9.30     Riccardo Scarafile, Christoher Russell, Iain Hanna.
9.40     Ross Dixon, Jonathan Cliff, Stuart Pardoe.
9.50     Ian P Redford senior, Ian Taylor, Kenny Hutton.

10.00   Alan Tait, Campbell Elliott, Stuart Morrison
10.10   Andrew Rollo, Ian Graham, James McGhee
10.20   James McKinnon, Greg McBain, James Byrne.
10.30   Stephen Gray, Eric Walker, Neil Fenwick.
10.40   Norman Huguet, Stewart Savage, Andrew McIntyre

10.50   Jordan Findlay, Stephen McAllister, Lorne Kelly.

11.00   Gareth Wright, Jamie McLeary, Graeme Brown.

11.10   Robert Arnott, Mark Kerr, Andrew Crerar.

11.20   Alistair Brown, Stephen Lamb, Ross Harrower

11.30   Mark King, Andrew Oldcorn, Conor O'Neil.

11.40   Scott Henderson, Paul McKechnie, David Law.

11.50   Greig Hutcheon, Jack Doherty, David Patrick

12.00   Gavin Dear, Jonathan Lomas, Ross Kellett.

12.10   Alastair Forsyth, Lloyd Saltman, Paul Wardell.

12.20   Callum Macaulay, Jason McCreadie, Scott Henry.

12.30   Craig Matheson, Andrew McArthur, Chris Doak

FIFE MAKE TWO CHANGES FOR TITLE DEFENCE AT BLAIRGOWRIE

Fife have made two changes in last year's winning line-up for the defence of the Moneygate Scottish men's area team gofl championship at Blairgowrie Lansdowne on May 19-20. St Andrews pair Colin Martin and Gary Sharp replace Kevin Blyth, who came in as a replacement for the injured Greg Paterson last year, and Peter Latimer who has since turned pro. Paterson, who won the Craigmillar Park Open last year but missed the halfway cut this year, "was considered" but not chosen, said Bill Dickson, the Fife tournament convener. Fife beat North-east, the 2010 champions, by 3 1/2-1 1/2 in the 2011 final, having beaten favourites Lothians 4-1 in the semi-finals. Ayrshire finished third last year by beating Lothians in a play-off. North-east have lost Jordan Findlay, Kris Nicol, David Law and Philip McLean to the pro ranks since last year's team championship. Scott Larkin (Royal Aberdeen) and Adam Dunton (McDonald Ellon) are the only survivors. Ayrshire, who beat Lothians in the third/fourth place play-off last year have had to make one change in the team they had selected. Last year's Scottish boys champion David Wilson (Troon Welbeck) has had to pull out due to exams and his place goes to John Haggarty (Loudoun), a scratch player who was a member of the bronze medal-winning Ayrshire team last year. They are joined by former Scotland cap Bryan Innes, Anthony Bews, Barrie Edmond, and Laurie Phillips. The teams play two rounds of stroke-play on the Saturday and the four teams with the best aggregates go forward to the match-play stages on the Sunday, the No 1 qualifiers playing the No 4, and No 2 v No 3. FIFE - Scott Crichton (Aberdour), Colin Martin (St Andrews), Gary Sharp (St Andrews), Brian Soutar (Leven GS), Scott Stewart-Cation (The Duke's), James White (Lundin). NORTH-EAST - Anthony Bews (Murcar Links), Adam Dunton (McDonald Ellon), Barrie Edmond (Bon Accord), Bryan Innes (Murcar Links), Scott Larkin (Royal Aberdeen), Laurie Phillips (Cruden Bay). AYRSHIRE - Keith Hamilton (Ayr Belleisle), Jack McDonald (Kilmarnock Barassie), Steven McEwan (Loudoun), John Shanks (Irvine), Michael Smyth (Royal Troon), David Wilson (Troon Welbeck)..    PERTHSHIRE - George Brass (Blairgowrie), Mark Cameron (Alyth), Glenn Campbell (Blairgowrie), Bradley Neil (Blairgowrie), Stuart Graham (Blairgowrie), Scott Michie (Kinross). Captain - Stuart McKendrick (Dunkeld and Birnam). Teams can be E-mailed to Colin@scottishgolfview.com

GLOBAL GOLF POST:: The Connoisseurs Guide to the Players

 

 

In this weeks issue:

• Superb Field Lines Up For Lytham Trophy by Colin Callander

• 'Chikka' Served Dual Roles At Bonallack Trophy by Lewine Mair
• A Connoisseur's Guide To The Players Championship
• R11S Tuned In To Adjustability by John Steinbreder
• True Shoes Take Minimalist Approach by John Stenbreder
• R&A, BBC is the Romance Over? by John Hopkins
• Welsh Teen Captures Helen Holm

Global Golf Post supporting Amateur Golf in GB&I

MONTY AND EGD TO DESIGN NEW COURSE NEAR RABAT, MOROCCO

NEWS RELEASE

Ryder Cup legend Colin Montgomerie and European Golf Design (EGD) are to design a new golf course next to one of Morocco’s finest beaches, Plage des Nations, near Rabat, Morocco. 

The golf course will be the centrepiece of a major new 1,200-acre luxury resort and expansive residential community (10,000 units) that will also feature a golf clubhouse, beach club, hotel and shopping centre.

The Prestigia Group, part of the Groupe Addoha company, appointed Monty and EGD following a successful collaboration on another of the developer’s projects, The Montgomerie Course at Marrakech Golf City.

It is the eighth time Monty and EGD, the golf course design company of the European Tour and IMG, have worked together, creating one of the most successful design partnerships in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Previous joint ventures include golf courses in Bahrain, The Netherlands, Ireland, Wales, Turkey and Scotland.

Jawad Ziyat, the Managing Director of Prestigia said: “We have witnessed first hand, at Marrakech Golf City, what Colin Montgomerie and EGD bring to a project. We like the team’s approach and vision, and their ability to create golf courses that are unique in style, challenging but also enjoyable for all golfers.

“Our objective is to make the Plage des Nations Golf Resort an iconic venue in North Africa, and we know Colin and EGD will help us deliver this.”

The Plage des Nations Resort, one of the largest developments of its kind in North Africa, will occupy a site offering breathtaking elevated views of the Atlantic Ocean. The 18-hole, Par 72 golf course will wend its way through valleys and an undulating downland landscape set back from the beachfront. 

Colin Montgomerie said: “We’ve got interesting terrain and changes in elevation to work with, which is helping us to create a lively and intricate, strategic design. We will be having some fun with the contouring, to encourage more golfers to play more creatively. 

“I am keen on designs that test a golfer’s initiative and decision making, so Plage des Nations is going to be a definitive expression of that philosophy.  It will be challenging putting it together and we’re confident that the end result will be a beautiful, testing and fun golf course.”

EGD is celebrating its 20^th anniversary in 2012, with its team of acclaimed architects making their mark on more than 50 golf courses on four continents, most notably, the Twenty Ten Course at Celtic Manor, venue of the 2010 Ryder Cup. As well as Colin Montgomerie, EGD offers signature design golf courses with Annika Sorenstam, Bernhard Langer as well as players from the European Tour.

Jeremy Slessor, Managing Director of EGD, said: “Signature design is proven to raise the profile of many developments, adding value to sales of golf tourism packages, membership and real estate.

“Colin Montgomerie and EGD have worked on a number of projects and what you get with Colin is a hands-on approach and involvement from a world-class player who has an instinctive talent for golf course design. He has a clear idea of what he expects of a course bearing his name and Plage des Nations is an exciting prospect that we look forward to working on together.”

FOG DELAYED START AT SPEY VALLEY, AVIEMORE

Fog delayed the start of the Optical Express Tour's second event, over 36 holes, at Spey Valley, Aviemore this morning.
Play commenced at 9.30am - 90min after the scheduled start.