The Scottish Senior Open will return to the heartland of Scotland’s celebrated Golf Coast in East Lothian for the fourth successive year when Craigielaw Golf Club stages the 26th edition of the event on the newly re-branded Staysure Tour from September 14 to 16.
Craigielaw, the property of landowner, the Earl of Wemyss, was built in 1998 and opened for play in 2001. The construction of the course was part of the Wemyss family’s decision to diversify the estate land from more traditional businesses into golf and tourism.
The Wemyss family have a deep-rooted connection to golf, not only as owners of four local East Lothian courses but as original signatories of the Society of St Andrews Golfers, which later became The R&A.
With challenging greens, cavernous bunkers and spectacular views over the Firth of Forth, Gullane Hill and out towards Edinburgh and Fife, the 6601-yard, par 71 Craigielaw course draws inspiration from the great links courses of Britain, particularly those on land which are less dominated by dunes.
Despite still being a relatively new venue, Craigielaw has already hosted several Scottish amateur events at youth level as well as the 2006 Scottish Amateur Stroke Play Championship.
This will be the eighth different venue for the Scottish Senior Open, which began in 1993 and has enjoyed an unbroken run since then.
Over the past three seasons, the tournament has been played in East Lothian at Archerfield (2015 and 2016) and Renaissance Club (2017).
Previous winners include legends such as five-time John Jacobs Trophy winner, the late Tommy Horton, who won the inaugural event, and again in 1997; Brian Huggett, winner in 1995, and Ryder Cup legend Sam Torrance, the 2006 champion.
The tournament will incorporate the popular Alliance format, with amateurs given the opportunity to play alongside the professional for the first two tournament rounds. A pro-am will also take place on Thursday, September 13.
For information about pro-am places contact Nikki Francis at the Staysure Tour on: nfrancis@europeantour.com
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