TARTAN TOUR TEES OFF A SPEY VALLEY NEXT TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY

Press Release from The PGA in Scotland

The PGA in Scotland golf season tees off in earnest next week, with the first of the nine events that will comprise the 2013 Order of Merit, the 36 Hole Challenge Series Tournament at Spey Valley to be played on Tuesday and Wednesday.

There are five Challenge Series events spread throughout the summer, which are open not only to PGA Members, but also to non-PGA Professionals who have affiliated to the series and to low handicap amateurs, seeking to gain experience competing against seasoned Professionals.

Three of the four players who fought out the play-off for first place at the corresponding event last year eventually succeeded in gaining their European Tour card for 2013, which clearly demonstrates the value of these events for those Scottish players with aspirations to play at the very highest level.

Greig Hutcheon, the winner of the 2012 Scottish OOM and the leading player across the Challenge Series last year heads the list of entries, while reigning Scottish PGA Champion Graham Fox, who did not play at Spey Valley last year due to the imminent birth of his first son, will be looking to build upon his Gleneagles success. 

Current British PGA Club Pro’s Champion Gareth Wright is another who should do well around the Aviemore course.

Also in the field are former European Tour winners Jonathan Lomas, Stephen McAllister and Andrew Oldcorn. The latter pair now ply their trade on the European Seniors Tour, but that has been severely affected by the economic problems blighting the continent, and has yet to get underway in 2013.

Ross Kellett and 2012 Scottish Alliance Champion John Henry, whose brother Scott eventually triumphed in the 2012 play-off are amongst those non-PGA Professionals due to compete, although Kellett’s participation may depend upon whether or not he gains entry to next week’s Challenge Tour event.

Another face familiar to the Scottish scene will also be treading the fairways next week; Colin Gillies the two-time Scottish PGA Champion who retired at the end of 2011 will be making a return to competitive action after playing only Invitational events in 2012.

Brian Mair, Secretary of the PGA in Scotland commented “Spey Valley kicks off one of the most exciting periods in Scottish golf history. The eyes of the golfing world are on Scotland on the lead up to Ryder Cup 2014. 

"The challenge is to embrace this unique opportunity to ensure the legacy will benefit all involved in Scottish golf for years to come. Sponsors, and potential sponsors, will have the benefit of aligning their businesses to a truly world–class product – and the PGA in Scotland are committed and determined to play our part. 

"When Fraser Cromarty, Ross Harrower and Graham Fox tee up at 8am on Tuesday they will be leading the way for Scottish Professional golf not just for the tournament or the season but for the next chapter in our history”

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