Lee Westwood is looking for a third Rolex Series win after taking the first round lead in the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club, thanks to a 62. Pictures by GETTY IMAGES

LEE Westwood fired two eagles on his way to carding a superb nine-under par 62 to take a one-shot lead after the opening round of the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open.

It is 22 years since the veteran of nine Ryder Cups won the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond.

The Notts-rasied golfer, who now lives in Newcastle, made the most of the favourable afternoon conditions at The Renaissance Club, equalling the course record, as he goes in search of a third Rolex Series title.

Westwood, who already has one win in 2020 to his name, said: “I didn’t put myself under too much pressure all day.

“I played solidly. We got the good end of the draw – there’s no doubt about that, in the afternoon lot.

“But you’ve got to make the most of it when it does happen to you. That’s links golf, and you know you’re going to be on the wrong side of it often enough.

“So when you’re on the right side of it, you’ve got to try to make the most of it,” added Westwood, who has the chance of a 10th Ryder Cup appearance after September’s match at Whistling Straits was put back until 2021.

Westwood happy with game after 62

Lee said: “I played solidly. Drove the ball well. Iron shots were good. In a good groove since the US Open.

“I took that discipline from there to here today. Aimed away from flags when I needed to. Left myself a lot of nice looks uphill for birdie.

“Distance control was good, which you know, could have been one of the few things to trip people up today.

“It wasn’t quite going as far as normal. The greens are nice and you feel like if you put a good roll on it, it holds its line.

“So, yeah, obviously very pleased with the round,” said the Worksop Wonder, who has 25 European Tour titles to his name, and claimed the European Order of Merit 20 years ago after five wins in one season.

The 47-year-old claimed his first European Tour win in four years with victory in the 2018 Nedbank Golf Challenge, before holding off Matt Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood and Victor Perez to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship – his second Rolex victory – earlier this year.

Lee Westwood who shot a 62 in the first round of the 2020 Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club at North Berwick

Scott Jamieson enjoys a bit of afternoon delight at Scottish Open

SWEDEN’S Alexander Björk and Dutchman Joost Luiten are one shot off the pace at eight-under – with local favourite Scott Jamieson at seven-under.

Jamieson, a 36-year-old Glaswegian, said: “I looked at the scores when I got to the golf course and realised that it obviously had been really tough in the morning.

“I think when it’s wet and cold like that, the ball just doesn’t travel far,” said the 36-year-old, who won a rain-interrupted Nelson Mandela Championship in South Africa, in December 2012.

Jamieson, who spent four years at Augusta State University before turning pro in 2006, added: “If you’re in the rough, it’s tough to move to ball far.

“So for me – very lucky to be on that side of the draw today. But there’s a long way to go, and we’ll see what the weather does.

“I think everyone probably recognised that this week and next week is probably going to define how good a season you have.

“You could play well the rest of the tournaments, maybe not do particularly well this week and next week, and you don’t get to Dubai.

“But the same could be said the other way. You could not play well in those events and then play great in just one of these weeks, and you may find yourself in Dubai.”

Fellow Scotsman Craig Lee is currently alongside Robert Rock and Finland’s Kalle Samooja in a share of sixth place. Lee has not played a European Tour event since the 2017 Andalucía Valderrama Masters.

•To follow live scoring in the second round click here.

Paul Lawrie at the launch of the Legends Tour at Wentworth last month – he will now concentrate on Seniors golf after calling time on his 28-year career on the Euorpean Tour

European Tour Legend Lawrie bowing out

MEANWHILE Scottish Major winner Paul Lawrie confirmed he will call time on his European Tour career after completing his 620th appearance on Scotland’s Golf Coast this week.

Major-winner Lawrie said: “There are a lot of factors behind the decision – the main one being that I don’t feel I can be competitive week-in, week-out at this level.

“My back is not very good. I’ve got a herniated disc and I struggle to practice enough.

“I’m not able to hit the amount of balls I need. I’m not particularly talented so I lose my game quite quickly,” said the winner of the 1999 Open, who won a play-off with Justin Leonard and Jean Van de Velde – following the Frenchman’s famous meltdown in Carnoustie’s Barry Burn.

“To have played 620 events is not a bad innings considering I turned pro (in 1986) with a five-handicap and didn’t think I’d play any,” added 51-year-old Lawrie, who has eight European Tour victories to his name, including that Claret Jug.

“I haven’t been a great player, but I’ve been decent and that’s all you can ask for,” said Lawrie, who joined the European Tour in 1992.

Lawrie joined the Staysure Seniors Tour in 2019 after turning 50, and claimed the Scottish Seniors Open in August last year.

Last month, Lawrie became a Legends Tour ambassador after the European Tour entered into a joint venture with over 50s insurance giant Staysure, which will look to expand Seniors golf in Europe.

The Aberdonian plans to continue to play on the new Legends Tour in 2021.

Lawrie bought Aberdeen’s Aspire Golf Centre in 2013, creating the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre. His foundation – formed in 2001 – has been a driving force in junior golf north of the border for nearly 20 years.

Having been made an MBE in 2000, Lawrie was awarded the OBE for his voluntary service to golf in 2013.

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Paul Waring (right) with a member of the EDGA at one of the European Tour events

EUROPEAN Tour star Paul Waring has signed up to officially represent EDGA – the international body that encourages people with disability to thrive through golf.

Waring has been one of the European Tour’s most popular golfers with fans and players alike since he started competing on the Tour in 2008.

The former England Boys captain won his first European Tour title – the 2018 Nordea Masters – in his 200th tournament.

Born in Birkenhead, Paul was on home territory when he first met and played with EDGA golfers while competing in the 2019 Betfred British Masters at Hillside GC.

EDGA players Caroline Mohr, from Sweden, Spain’s Juan Postigo Arce and Ireland’s Brendan Lawlor all said they were inspired by Paul’s encouragement and advice during their pro-am fourball.

Paul joined those players as an ambassador for leading audit, tax and consulting firm RSM, which supports EDGA and shares its vision to encourage 500,000 new players into the game.

The former English Amateur Champion was equally supportive of EDGA players and volunteers during last season’s Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open, and the DP World Tour Championship, in Dubai.

RSM offered free golf lessons from PGA professionals to all spectators with a disability present at the two tournaments, which were part of the high profile Rolex Series.

EDGA president Tony Bennett said: “When I asked Paul if he was interested in a more formal role with EDGA in our aim to grow the game for people with disability, he did not hesitate in saying he’d be delighted to help us.

“We are therefore thrilled to welcome Paul as an official ambassador for EDGA.

“Right from the very first tee shots when he encouraged Caroline, Juan and Brendan at Hillside, we knew he had something special about him.

“Paul and the team at RSM have been highly encouraging as more of our EDGA players have competed in our tournaments staged alongside European Tour events, providing a priceless shop window for our work in raising awareness of inclusive golf internationally.”

Tony added: “We are sure Paul’s reputation as a player and his knowledge of all layers of the sport will assist us greatly in our key aim, which is to encourage people of all ages who have a disability to consider trying golf, while highlighting the power of golf to change lives.”

Waring impressed by players’ talent

Paul, who won the McGregor Trophy at the England U16 Amateur Championship in 2001, said: “I am delighted to become a formal ambassador for EDGA.

“I have had the opportunity to meet and play with a number of their players and I am extremely impressed by their talent.

“I am very honoured to be a part of their journey and to support the work that EDGA is doing to increase the opportunities for those with disabilities within golf.

“I am very excited to be a part of this development within golf.”

GEORGE GROVES CROWNED ENGLISH DISABILITY CHAMPION

EDGA is a not-for-profit volunteer association, which is made up of the National Golf Federations from 31 countries around the world.

The EDGA team provides advice, guidance and standards to all the leading golfing bodies including the International Golf Federation (IGF), The R&A, USGA, European Golf Association (EGA).

They also work closely with the European Tour on the delivery of showcase events involving golfers with disability.

EDGA also offers training to coaches, therapists, volunteers, clubs, and golfers who wish to be more active helping the players.

RSM supports EDGA’s qualifying players in tournaments attached to the European Tour, funding travel requirements and welcoming the golfers as they are meeting, practising alongside and even playing with some of the star names in world golf

The work helps to raise the profile of golf for the disabled to a global audience.

•Former Cheshire Boys champion Paul Waring claimed the English Amateur crown on his home course at Bromborough in 2005, beating Steven Capper 3&2 in the final.

Waring with players from the EDGA at a European Tour event in 2019. The former England Amateur Champion was very impressed by the players’ abilities

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European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley has written to players warning them the days of rising prize funds will be hit by the coronavirus pandemic. Picture by EUROPEAN TOUR

EUROPEAN Tour stars face playing for smaller prize funds as well as the prospect of playing tournaments without spectators later this summer, according to a memo written by its chief executive Keith Pelley.

The update sent to players, which was leaked to the Daily Telegraph, warns that some of the “perks” of tour life will be reigned in significantly.

The professional game is planning for when the green light to resume will be given – when the worst of the coronavirus pandemic is over – so golf can return to our TV screens at least.

But Pelley has warned everything from the kind of courtesy cars and tournament lounges where players and their families and support teams can relax before and after rounds and practice, could be affected.

Pelley’s email stated: “Our tour has enjoyed a significant period of growth in recent years, in terms of prize funds, playing opportunities, and the overall standard of our events, as well as our broadcast product.

“The impact of coronavirus has stopped this rapid momentum in its tracks, and it will, in fact, require us to reassess many elements.”

While the trappings of tour life are bound to be hit, the Canadian who has revolutionised certain areas of the European Tour brand since taking over from George O’Grady, late in 2014, Pelley was most blunt about the likely affect on players’ earnings.

“Prize funds will also most likely be different,” Pelley added. “The reality is, the pandemic is going to have a profound impact on the Tour financially, as well as many of our partners, both in the sponsorship and broadcast areas.”

His latest update to the Tour’s members also stressed it make take until the autumn before they can resume playing tournaments – even though the USPGA and US Open have been rescheduled for August and September, respectively.

Several tournaments could be played at the same venue to make the hastily rearranged 2020 schedule run as smoothly as possible.

“Let us say we are given the go-ahead by governments and health authorities to resume play in the first week of September,” said Pelley.

Will season shrink into 16 weeks?

“That gives us 16 weeks between then and Christmas to try and play as many tournaments as possible.

“We are looking at options such as a) multiple tournaments in the same location; b) two tournaments in the same week or three in a fortnight; or c) three or four tournaments back-to-back in the UK with a 14-day ‘quarantine’ period ahead of that – to allow players not from the UK to come over and self-isolate in advance, if that health requirement is still in place then.”

Pelley stressed the Rolex Series and tournaments based in the UK are the priority for the Tour and its broadcaster Sky Sports – confirming the Tour will “play behind closed doors if necessary.”

The British Masters at Close House, in the North East – which was originally scheduled for July 30-August 2 – and the BMW PGA Championship, at Wentworth (September 10-13), are two of the UK events on the schedule.

The Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open at North Berwick’s Renaissance Club, was due to be held from July 9-12, the week before The Open, at Royal St George’s, which has now been cancelled.

Meanwhile attracting stars from Hollywood to play the annual Alfred Dunhill Links Championship (October 1-4) may pose more problems in 2020 than normal with celebrities filming and TV schedules – if the pro-am can be held at St Andrews the week after the Ryder Cup.

October’s Italian Open, which is a Rolex Series event, faces many hurdles before it can be played, given how badly Italy has fared from the number of COVID-19 deaths.

The other Rolex events are the Turkish Airlines Open (November 5-8) and the Nedbank Golf Challenge, which will have to be moved now that the Augusta Masters has been provisionally rearranged for November 12-15.

But if the South African event at Sun City’s Gary Player Country Club, has to be moved, that also means the DP World Tour Championship at Dubai’s Jumeirah Golf will also have to be moved to December.

The final Rolex Series event will determine the Race to Dubai winner, which earned the European No. 1 Jon Rahm a £2million bonus, on top of the $3million cheque for the winner that week.

Graeme McDowell was set to host the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Mount Juliet in May before the COVID-19 outbreak. Could it still be played in the autumn?

11 events hit by coronavirus so far in 2020

SO far the European Tour has postponed eight tournaments and cancelled completely three more, including June’s inaugural Scandinavian Mixed, hosted by Henrik Stenson and Annika Sorenstam.

At the moment the BMW International at Golfclub München in late June is the first event on the original schedule which has yet to be postponed, followed a week later by the French Open at Paris’ Le Golf National.

Other events in Continental Europe which could still be played are Switzerland’s Omega European Masters (August 27-30),  Germany’s Porsche European Open (September 3-6), Holland’s KLM Open (September 17-20), Spanish Open (October 15-18) and the Portugal Masters (October 22-25).

Among the countries where events were postponed in March and April were Ireland, Kenya, India, Malaysia, China, Morocco, the Czech Republic and Spain.

The European Tour has stressed that it would work to try to rearrange postponed tournaments wherever possible.

But the logistical problems created by the international travel bans alone, make that very difficult – let alone while the current uncertainty about lockdowns in each country continues.

It remains to be seen how many of those can be played in 2020, or if the European Tour will just be content to make sure they can still be played in 2021.

And that will depend on the support of the sponsors, or finding replacements should the economic impact of COVID-19 hit exisiting ones.

Certainly, if spectators can be admitted later in the year, both Sky and the European Tour, would be keen to resurrect the Irish Open.

Graeme McDowell was set to host at Mount Juliet at the end of May, before it was postponed at the end of March.

But the lack of light means it would surely have to be played before the clocks go back in October, without the size of the field having to be heavily restricted.

March’s Hero Indian Open – co-sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours – was one of the first to be called off as a result of the coronavirus outbreak

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Austria’s Bern Wiesberger added the Italian Open to his Made in Denmark and Scottish Open victories in 2019. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

BERND Wiesberger claimed his second Rolex Series title of 2019 and third European Tour victory of the season with a hard-fought victory in the Italian Open.

The Austrian started the day three shots behind overnight leader Matthew Fitzpatrick, but carded a bogey-free final round of 65 to finish one shot clear of the Yorkshireman on 16-under.

Wiesberger, who now has a realistic chance of ending the season as the European No. 1, said: “It’s been a great summer for me. I’ve had a lot of good golf shown and a lot of progress after coming back from the last year.

“I’ve won three times this year and it’s been the same every time, I’ve just really enjoyed my time and I’m positive to be back out there because I know how tough it was when I had to withdraw from these great events.

“I’ve played really well in the right events in Ireland and the Scottish and here this week which helps getting up there in the Race to Dubai. I feel excited about what is ahead of us in these last four events.”

Wiesberger posted three consecutive birdies from the fifth hole followed by a further gain on the ninth.

And he went to the top of the leaderboard when Fitzpatrick, who had birdied the second, hit it out of bounds on the ninth leading to a double bogey.

He looked comfortably in control on the back nine with birdies on the 14th and 16th holes.

But Fitzpatrick staged an impressive fightback with three birdies in his final six holes, however the former Ryder Cup player could not find another on the last as he came up one stroke short.

That meant Wiesberger became the fifth player to win multiple Rolex Series titles after his maiden win in the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open, in July.

Wiesberger joins John Rahm, Justin Rose, Alex Noren and Danny Willett as multiple Rolex Series winners.

The 34-year-old now leads the European Tour’s Race to Dubai with just six events remaining, having also won May’s Made in Denmark following seven months on the sidelines in 2018 due to a wrist injury.

Fitzpatrick signed for a round of 69 for a total of 15-under as he finished runner-up for the fourth time this season, having also come second in the Honma Hong Kong Open, the BMW International and the Scandinavian Invitation.

A disappointed Fitzpatrick said: “To lose by one is obviously very disappointing.

“I think I’ve played well when I’ve been up there on a Sunday, just other people really keep grinding and I keep coming up from behind.

“It is what it is. It’s still a great week, I’m here to win and not here to just make up the numbers.”

American Kurt Kitayama finished third on 12-under after a 71, a shot clear of Middlesex’s Andrew Johnston (68), Scot Robert MacIntyre (71) and another Austrian in Matthias Schwab (66), who shared fourth on 11-under.

Francesco Laporta posted a final round 68 to finish as the leading Italian player in a three-way share of seventh place.

•For the final results in the Italian Open click here.

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Korea’s Mi Jung Hur will return to The Renaissance Club, in North Berwick, in 2020 to defend her Scottish Ladies Open title. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

THE Renaissance Club will again host the European Tour’s Scottish Open and the Ladies Scottish Open in 2020, with both events returning to the picturesque East Lothian venue for a second successive season.

Both events will again be sponsored by Aberdeen Standard Investments – the 2020 edition of Scotland’s national men’s open will be played on July 9-12, followed closely by the women’s event on the same course from August 13-16.

Golf fans from East Lothian and beyond flocked to the Tom Doak-designed course for this year’s Scottish Open as the event attracted more than 66,000 spectators – the highest figure since the tournament began travelling to venues across the country in 2011, following a 16-year spell at Loch Lomond Golf Club.

This summer, fans enjoyed two weeks of world class golf as Austrian Bernd Wiesberger triumphed over a field including four-time Major winner Rory McIlroy and American stars Rickie Fowler Matt Kuchar and Justin Thomas to claim his sixth European Tour title.

Three weeks later, Korea’s Mi Jung Hur captured her third LPGA Tour title – a decade after her first – with a four-shot victory over an international leaderboard including Ariya Jutanugarn, Jeongeun Lee6 and Scotland’s Carly Booth.

In 2020, the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open will once again form part of the European Tour’s Rolex Series – the eight premium tournaments on the Race to Dubai – as well as taking its traditional slot in the week before The Open.

The Ladies Scottish Open, which is co-sanctioned by both the Ladies European Tour (LET) and Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), has also become established as a key event in the schedules of many of the world’s best female golfers.

The 2020 tournament will be played the week before the AIG Women’s British Open.

Founded in 2008, The Renaissance Club nestles on 300 picturesque acres along the Firth of Forth and is one of the newest additions to the world-famous stretch known as Scotland’s Golf Coast.

The European Tour will return to East Lothian when The Renaissance Club hosts the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open in 2020 just weeks before the Ladies Scottish Open also returns there for a second successive season. Picture by PAUL SEVERN

With a minimalist design that incorporates the natural features of the land, the course has quickly become established as another East Lothian golfing gem.

The Renaissance Club has proven a significant addition to the golf tourism offering in East Lothian, gaining worldwide acclaim for the quality of its layout and design.

As part of its commitments to hosting Scotland’s two national opens for the first time this year, the club continued to support the golf tourism industry in Scotland by targeting additional visiting golfers from around the world as well as introducing a reduced rate for Scottish Golf members through their seasonal tee time programme.

The club also worked with both VisitScotland and Scottish Golf to support and fund women and junior golf development initiatives and make its practice facilities available to Scottish Golf’s amateur squads during preparation for major events.

Martin Gilbert, chairman of Aberdeen Standard Investments, said: “We’re looking forward to returning to The Renaissance Club in 2020.

“The facilities Jerry and his team offer both sets of players, on and off the course are second to none. The feedback we’ve received is that the location works well with the golfing public as well as our colleagues.

“We’ve also listened to the professionals who played the course this year and collectively we will be implementing a number of changes based on their feedback.

“We look forward to welcoming back the world’s best players to Scotland’s golf coast, for what is sure to be another memorable two weeks of golf next summer.”

European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley said: “Jerry Sarvadi and the team at The Renaissance Club proved to be wonderful hosts when they welcomed the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open for the first time this year, and we are delighted to be coming back to this beautiful part of Scotland once again.

“Golf fans in East Lothian have shown tremendous support for this event in recent years, firstly at Gullane in 2015 and 2018, and they turned out in force at The Renaissance Club this year.

“We’ll be working hard to make the event even bigger and better ahead of its return in 2020, and I thank our partners Aberdeen Standard Investments and VisitScotland for their continued vision and commitment in supporting this world class tournament.”

Jerry Sarvadi, the founder and chief executive of The Renaissance Club, said: “The 2019 events saw some of the world’s best players come to Scotland to compete in what ended up as very unusual, benign weather conditions for Scotland during the men’s competition and somewhat more normal conditions during the ladies’.

“We believe the 2020 event will only grow in stature, and we hope as many people as possible will come and watch the truly spectacular golf being played next year in July and August.”

Players from both the European Tour, LPGA and LET have given feedback about the private members club close to Muirfield to make both 2020 tournaments even better say organisers. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

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Rickie Fowler during the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open. Image credit Paul Severn

It has been confirmed that the Renaissance Club will host the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open and the Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open next year, with both events returning to the picturesque East Lothian venue for the second successive season.

The 2020 edition of Scotland’s national men’s open, part of the Rolex Series, the eight premium tournaments on the Race to Dubai, will be played on July 9-12, 2020, followed closely by the women’s event on the same course on August 13-16.

Golf fans from East Lothian and beyond flocked to the Tom Doak-designed course for this year’s Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open as the event attracted over 66,000 spectators – the highest figure since the tournament began travelling to venues across the country in 2011, following a 16-year spell at Loch Lomond Golf Club.

This summer, fans enjoyed two weeks of world class golf as Austrian Bernd Wiesberger triumphed over a field including four-time Major winner Rory McIlroy and American stars Rickie Fowler Matt Kuchar and Justin Thomas to claim his sixth European Tour title. Three weeks later, the Republic of Korea’s Mi Jung Hur captured her third LPGA Tour title – a decade after her first – with a four-shot victory over an international leaderboard including Ariya Jutanugarn, Jeongeun Lee6 and Scotland’s Carly Booth.

In 2020, the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open will once again form part of the European Tour’s Rolex Series, as well as taking its traditional slot in the week before The Open.

Mi Jung Hur during the at Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open at Renaissance Club. Image credit Getty Images

The Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open, which is co-sanctioned by both the Ladies European Tour (LET) and Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), has also become established as a key event in the schedules of many of the world’s best female golfers and will be played the week before the AIG Women’s British Open.

Founded in 2008, The Renaissance Club nestles on 300 picturesque acres along the Firth of Forth and is one of the newest additions to the world-famous stretch known as Scotland’s Golf Coast. With a minimalist design that incorporates the natural features of the land, the course has quickly become established as another East Lothian golfing gem.

The Renaissance Club has proven a significant addition to the golf tourism offering in East Lothian, gaining worldwide acclaim for the quality of its layout and design. As part of its commitments to hosting Scotland’s two national opens for the first time this year, the club continued to support the golf tourism industry in Scotland by targeting additional visiting golfers from around the world as well as introducing a reduced rate for Scottish Golf members through their seasonal tee time programme.

The club also worked with both VisitScotland and Scottish Golf to support and fund women and junior golf development initiatives and make its practice facilities available to Scottish Golf’s amateur squads during preparation for major events.

Martin Gilbert, Chairman of Aberdeen Standard Investments said: “We’re looking forward to returning to The Renaissance Club in 2020. The facilities Jerry and his team offer both sets of players, on and off the course are second to none. The feedback we’ve received is that the location works well with the golfing public as well as our colleagues.

“We’ve also listened to the professionals who played the course this year and collectively we will be implementing a number of changes based on their feedback. We look forward to welcoming back the world’s best players to Scotland’s golf coast, for what is sure to be another memorable two weeks of golf next summer.”

Sports Minister Joe FitzPatrick said: “Scotland is synonymous with the world’s biggest golf events and, with both the men’s and ladies Scottish Opens among the most prestigious on their respective tours, it is vital we have a venue to match.

“The Renaissance Club proved to be a great host venue in 2019 and I’m looking forward to both events returning in 2020. They’ll have a positive impact on the economy – both locally and nationally – and will help support numerous initiatives on and off the golf course promoting healthy and active lifestyles, sports development, sustainability and inclusion.”

Jerry Sarvadi, Founder/Chief Executive of The Renaissance Club said: “The Renaissance Club is delighted to again work with Aberdeen Standard Investments and the European Tour to host both the 2020 Men’s and Ladies Scottish Opens. The 2019 events saw some of the world’s best players come to Scotland to compete in what ended up as very unusual, benign weather conditions for Scotland during the Men’s competition and somewhat more normal conditions during the Ladies competition.

“We believe the 2020 event will only grow in stature at The Renaissance Club, and we hope that as many people as possible will come and watch the truly spectacular golf being played next year in July and August.”

Mike Whan, LPGA Commissioner, and Mark Lichtenhein, LET Chief Executive, said: “The LPGA and the LET are happy to partner with our friends at Aberdeen Standard Investments and VisitScotland to again bring our tours to the same course as the European Tour.

“The last two years have been a wonderful opportunity to introduce the world’s best female golfers to the fans in East Lothian and we look forward to working together on what will surely be an exciting precursor to the season’s final major championship in 2020.”

Councillor John McMillan, Cabinet Spokesperson for Economic Development and Tourism, East Lothian Council, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that East Lothian will be welcoming the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open and Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open for a third successive year. The events are a massive opportunity to showcase all that Scotland’s Golf Coast has to offer – the partnership between fantastic local hospitality offering, delightful food and drink places, friendly local businesses and a host of superb golf courses and other local attractions.

“The Renaissance Club proved to be a popular venue this year, following the success at Gullane in 2018, and this announcement is a reflection of the events success here in East Lothian and the warm welcome that is guaranteed to players, fans and the world’s golfing fraternity.”

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Austrian Bernd Wiesberger claimed his second victory of the year – and the first Rolex Series title of his carrer – after beating Frenchman Benjamin Hebert in a play-off at the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

BERND Wiesberger secured his first Rolex Series title after defeating France’s Benjamin Hebert in a thrilling play-off at the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open.

The Austrian, who was runner-up at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open just seven days ago, was not to be denied for a second consecutive week as he triumphed over Hebert with a par on the third extra hole at The Renaissance Club, at North Berwick.

The 33-year-old held a two-stroke lead after 54 holes, but Hebert set the clubhouse target on 22-under par after a stunning nine-under round of 62. Wiesberger then joined him on that total after his round of 69.

The pair parred the first two play-off holes, but Wiesberger tapped in for par from four feet to win his second title of the season after Made in Denmark in May – and moved to the top of the Race to Dubai Rankings.

A delighted Wiesberger, who picked up a cheque for €1,035,099, the biggest of his career which has seen him earn nearly €12million, said: “I knew it wasn’t going to come easy for me. I had a great, great warm-up this morning, flushing the ball. It just got a little tough out there for me.

“I just dug in there. Obviously I would have loved to seal it off with a couple of pars coming in, but sometimes it just tests you.

“A great week from Benjamin. He could have just snatched it off me on the first two holes, as well, and just very grateful for how it turned out for us this week.

“I wasn’t in this tournament eight days ago. You know, I had a great week in Ireland and sealed my spot, and what a week this is. Just take a lot of confidence out of the last two weeks into the final major this year.

“I’ve always enjoyed coming to the links, Scottish links, and I’ve had nice success here in Scotland and it’s just really, really nice to be able to stand here with the trophy at the end of the day.

“It was a long day, but somehow managed,” added Wiesberger, who suffered a long-term wrist injury last year that forced him to miss seven months of the season.

There was a consolation prize for Hebert, who earned his place at this week’s Open Championship at Royal Portrush.

Hebert said: “I was looking for The Open spot, for sure I was chasing this spot, so I’m happy, first.

“I’m very happy as next week will be my first Major Championship as a professional. It was a goal for me actually this season to play in a Major.

“I played in The Open in 2008 but I was an amateur. It was a long time ago.”

Hebert, who earned an exemption at Royal Birkdale as the reigning European Amateur Champion, will be joined in Northern Ireland by Italian Nino Bertasio and Middlesex’s Andrew Johnston, who finished in a share of fourth place.

Beef, who has spoken about his mental health issues that have affected his game over the past year, carded the lowest round of his European Tour career and jumped up 34 places on the leaderboard.

With two holes to play, the Londoner who became the galleries’ favourite at the 2016 Open at Royal Troon, needed two birides to card just the second 59 in Euorpean Tour history, but finished with a bogey after shaving the hole from 15 feet on the 17th.

That left the former Middlesex amateur, who was a member at Wentworth before turning pro as well as his home course North Middlesex, in a share of top spot until Wiesberger and Herbert pulled clear of the chasing pack.

Frenchman Romain Langasque – who won the 2015 Amateur Champinship at Carnoustie, finished third on 20-under – one stroke ahead of Bertasio, Johnston, 2016 Open Champion Henrik Stenson, Italy’s Andrea Pavan and American Andrew Putnam.

Spaniard Rafa Cabrera Bello, South African George Coetzee, Welshman Jamie Donaldson, England’s Lee Slattery and American Justin Thomas finished on 18-under.

•THERE was a historic moment earlier in the day as Ireland’s Brendan Lawlor won the inaugural EDGA Scottish Open, a new 36-hole tournament for players with disability, which saw 10 players tackle the same set up at The Renaissance Club as the European Tour field.

The post Wiesberger Beefs up his career earnings with first Rolex win at Scottish Open appeared first on Golf North.

Austrian Bern Wiesberger shot a superb 61 – his lowest round on the European Tour – in the second round of the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open – to share the lead with Lee Slattery and South African Erik Van Rooyen. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

The Austrian, whose previous low round was 63, made 11 birdies – including five in a row to end his round – to sign for a 10-under par 61.

He tops the leaderboard going into the weekend at the third Rolex Series event of the season at 14-under par alongside Englishman Lee Slattery and South Africa’s Erik van Rooyen, who carded matching rounds of 64.

Wiesberger said: “Walking down the last, I was nine-under and had a chance to go to 10.

“I haven’t shot 10 in a professional event yet, so that was a nice bonus. It’s just going with the flow and things worked out very well – not thinking too much and just keep doing what I’m doing.

“I had a couple of chances out there and just took the last five quite nicely. I played quite solid – nothing out of the ordinary.

“I hit a lot of shots quite close and obviously coming in, finishing off with five birdies is a bonus but it was a good day out there. I kept controlling my golf ball and took the chances when I had to take them.”

Wiesberger, who returned from a wrist injury at the end of 2018, won his fifth European Tour title at Made in Denmark in May and was second at last week’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.

Slattery who has not won since the 2015 Russian Open, said: “I feel like all the hard work I’ve put in over the winter is starting to pay off now and just trying to finish the season off strong.

“A lot of Rolex Series events to play and I feel I need to push this finish part of the season.

“I didn’t play too much in the early part of the year which is different for me. Spent more time with the family.

“Got a young family and felt like it was important to spend more time with them this winter. Did a lot of gym work at home and I feel like the game is starting to come together a little bit.”

Erik van Rooyen who is looking for his maiden European Tour win after success on the Challenge and Sunshine Tours, said: “It felt easy today, and it felt easy yesterday.

“When you’re playing well, it just comes naturally. And when you don’t — I missed the cut last week, it kind of feels hard. It’s great to go back-to-back seven-under.

“I had a good season last year, and I feel like we’re just building upon that. A couple of good finishes this year, as well, and it’s just fun to play back-to-back good rounds.”

The 2016 Open Champion Henrik Stenson and Nino Bertasio of Italy are two shots behind the leading trio.

Stenson, who has not won since claiming that Claret Jug at Royal Troon, said: “It was the same as yesterday, six birdies and no bogeys, so that’s always pleasing when you play 36 holes without dropping a shot.

“I’m just trying to keep up with the guys at the top of the leaderboard, and so far I’m pleased with the way I’ve played.

“A lot of good tee shots. A lot of good approaches and solid putting on the greens, even though I let one or two good chances slip by here on the back nine, I’m still pleased where I’m positioned after two rounds.”

American Justin Thomas, making his Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open debut this week, shares sixth on 11-under with Italian pair Lorenzo Gagli and two-time winner Guido Migliozzi, going for a hat-trick of victories in 2019. plus Finn Kalle Samooja and Spaniard Adrian Otaegui.

Calum Hill is the leading Scotsman on 10-under alongside 10 others, including Ryder Cup players Matt Fitzpatrick, Edoardo Molinari, Thomas Pieters and Ian Poulter.

Follow lives scoring here

•MORE than one trophy will be up for grabs over the weekend, as the ground-breaking inaugural EDGA Scottish Open takes place at The Renaissance Club.

Ten golfers from the World Rankings for Golfers with Disability will compete in the 36-hole EDGA Scottish Open, teeing off approximately two hours before the first tee in the final two rounds of the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open.

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Justin Thomas loves playing links golf for the variety of shots he is forced to play… but the 2017 USPGA Champion admits he has yet to fully work out what the best strategy is as he prepares for the Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

JUSTIN Thomas is determined to solve the conundrum of links golf when he makes his Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open debut at The Renaissance Club in East Lothian.

The American Major winner has taken full advantage of the glorious surroundings of Scotland’s Golf Coast, enjoying a round with his father and compatriot Kevin Kisner, at North Berwick, before teeing it up a few miles along the coast in the third Rolex Series event on the 2019 Race to Dubai, which starts today (Thursday).

The World No. 9 made his European Tour debut at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship six years ago, but did not make it to Sunday and has missed the cut at The Open Championship in the past two seasons.

But the 26-year-old insists that he loves links golf and is relishing the test posed at The Renaissance Club this week.

Thomas, the 2017 USPGA champion, said: “I really, really do love links golf.

“In terms of if I could play one golf course every day for the rest of my life it would probably be a links golf course over here because you can play the same course and it can play so different every single day and every week.

“That part is enjoyable. You have to hit so many different kind of shots and you have to have a lot of imagination.

“But that being said, I haven’t been very successful on links, for as much as I do enjoy it, and feel that I can play it well.

“I just obviously haven’t figured it out totally. So, this is why we felt like it was the best decision to come to the Scottish and to get at least one more round, tournament, under our belt before next week.

“North Berwick was very enjoyable. We were lucky they let us go out. My dad got to play, too and always entertaining playing with Kis.

“Us three went around, got our trollies, played for about three hours and had a pint after. It was a great way to spend our first day here.”

Four-time Major winner Rory McIlroy is also eyeing a maiden win in Scotland as he tees it up at the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open for the second time in three years – after opting to miss last week’s trip to Lahinch for the Irish Open, having been the tournament host since 2015 through his charitable foundation, which has now been wound up.

The Northern Irishman has 13 European Tour wins to his name, but victory at The Renaissance Club – sandwiched between Muirfield and Archerfield – would bring his first Rolex Series title, in the week before he contests The Open Championship in his homeland.

McIlroy, who will be seekng his first Major win since 2014 when he plays at Royal Portrush next week, said: “I’m playing this event with two eyes firmly focused on the Scottish Open.

“First and foremost, I want to play well here. I want to get myself into contention and have a chance to win a golf tournament.

“I think if I do that, that’s the best way to prepare for next week. You know, get yourself into contention. Feel the heat of getting in there on Sunday and trying to play some good golf.

“I would definitely like to win here. I’m here fully focused on this event. I think most tournaments deserve to stand on their own two feet and have some stature, and the Scottish Open is one of these events on the European Tour.

“It’s a big event. A lot of prize money, a lot of points. So, it deserves to stand-alone and not just be this tournament that’s attached on to the week after.”

Meanwhile, Rickie Fowler is looking forward to continuing his love affair with Scotland’s national open after tasting victory just along the coast in Gullane in 2015.

And never having finished outside of the top 10 in his four previous appearances. Fowler is grouped with McIlroy and up-and-coming Scottish star Robert MacIntyre in today’s first round – and he’s relishing the prospect of playing in front of Scottish crowds again.

Despite being a new venue for the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open, American Matt Kuchar has played a number of rounds on the East Lothian venue in recent years. He is back for his ninth appearance in this event and is aiming to go one better than his runner up finish behind Fowler in 2015.

Fowler said: “Looking forward to it. I got to see Bob MacIntyre on Monday and we had a little challenge together, the 14-club challenge.

“We had some fun doing that together. Obviously he’s a great player and looking forward to playing alongside him. I’m sure we’re going to have some good crowds.

“I get a lot of local support, which I definitely appreciate. I think they can see how much I love not just the game of golf, but links golf and being over here, choosing to play here the week before The Open.

“This is always a fun week for us.”

Matt Kuchar,who defended his par-three title in Tuesday’s Hero Challenge, said: “Excited to be here. I played Renaissance Club a couple of fun times in previous years, it’s a fun golf course.

“Have just really enjoyed coming to the Scottish Open over the years, whether it be Loch Lomond or Gullane or any of the other courses we’ve played.

“It’s been a great experience and made many great friends here and always a lot of fun to return.”

The post Thomas on test Scottish links courses create… while Rory readies for title challenge appeared first on Golf North.

European Challenge Tour graduate Robert MacIntyre will fly the Saltire flag during the Scottish Open when he tees it up with four-time Major winner Rory McIlroy and defending champion Brandon Stone, on Thursday. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

SCOTLAND’S Robert MacIntyre will start this week’s Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open in the company of 2015 champion Rickie Fowler and four-time Major winner Rory McIlroy.

The 22-year-old, who graduated from the European Challenge Tour last year, is in the marquee TV group for the third Rolex Series event of the season which gets under way tomorrow (Thursday), and will be broadcast on Sky.

MacIntyre, who lost in the 2016 Amateur Championship final to Hampshire’s Scott Gregory, impressed with consecutive runner-up finishes at the Betfred British Masters, at Hillside, and Made in Denmark in May.

Scot MacIntyre, who hails from Oban, now has his sights set on an exciting first appearance in his national Open at The Renaissance Club, in North Berwick.

MacIntyre, who is attached to Glencruitten GC, said: “I’ve got to be thrown in at the deep end at some point. It’s just about learning from this. It’s another step in the learning experience for me.

“In my first year, I’ve had quite a few already and this is going to be another one. It’s going to be another special week for me, and not just me, but my family. To be out with them in your first Scottish Open is pretty special.

“I’m sure the crowds are going to be unbelievable anyway. Home soil for the first time is going to be something different.

“Playing the Challenge Tour was good but to finally play a Scottish Open is something I’ll never forget,” added MacIntyre, who tees off with McIlroy at 1.40pm, on Thursday.

Defending champion Brandon Stone returns to East Lothian after his success last year at Gullane.

Stone said: “The greens are quite severe. A lot of tricky sloping, it should prove a true test.

“If the wind picks up like it might, that typical Scottish links breeze, it might be a little bit more penal for the guys that are hitting it a bit more wayward – but the course is in fantastic condition, it really is. The greens are great.

“They are having a lot of rain at the moment but at the same time the course is holding up quite well.

“It’s going to be a true test and you’ll have to play great golf and it’s going to be a great test before next week at Royal Portrush for The Open.”

The South African became the fourth player in European Tour history to card a winning final round of 60 as he won his third European Tour title.

Russell Knox, the highest-ranked Scot in the field this week, will go in search of his second Rolex Series title after his stunning victory at last year’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.

Knox holed a 60-foot putt at Ballyliffin to force a play-off against Ryan Fox and then made an almost-identical putt on the first extra hole to win his second European Tour title.

Knox admitted this week that being based in the United States had hurt his Ryder Cup hopes, after he was overlooked for a captain’s pick by both Darren Clarke and Thomas Bjorn in 2016 and 2018 despite winning once in the States as well as in Europe.

Knox, who moved permanently to the States in 2007 – after attending Florida’s Jacksonville University – said: “I actually thoroughly enjoyed slashing it on the range in the rain.

“It’s been a while since I put on the rain suit and just hit balls on the range in the rain. I kind of wanted to practice a little bit today, even though it was pouring rain.

“But no, it’s amazing to be back. Always feel like I’m at home instantly when I touch back on Scottish soil.” added the 2015 WGC-HSBC Champions winner.

Despite being a US citizen, Knox still very much feels Scottish and praised the current group of Scots battling their way to earn and keep their cards.

That group includes MacIntyre and Victoria Open winner David Law, while Euan Walker lost in the Amateur Championship final at Portmarnock, last month, as MacIntyre did three years ago, plus Challenge Tour graduates Liam Johnston and Grant Forrest.

Knox said: “I sure hope one of these young guys turns out to be 10 times the player I am. It would be great for Scotland.

“It’s been great – it’s been coming for a few years. It was obvious that there was going to be a next wave of great players, and it’s obviously here now.

“It’s great for Scottish golf, great for the European Tour, and hopefully this week, one of us will play well.”

As well as Tour veterans and Scottish Ryder Cup players Paul Lawrie and Stephen Gallacher, the Saltire will be flown by the likes of David Drysdale, former US Amateur winner Richie Ramsay, Scott Jamieson and Marc Warren, who have 19 wins on the European Tour between them.

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