Wolverhampton’s Aaron Rai claimed his second European Tour win – and first Rolex Series title – beating Tommy Fleetwood in a play-off at the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open. Pictures by GETTY IMAGES

AARON Rai defeated Tommy Fleetwood in a play-off to win his first Rolex Series title at the 2020 Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open.

The former HSBC Wee Wonders winner – famous for wearing two gloves – signed for a wonderful 64 to set the target at 11-under par.

But Fleetwood holed a 20-foot putt on the last for a closing birdie to take it to extra holes at The Renaissance Club, in North Berwick.

It was advantage Fleetwood off the tee as Rai found a fairway bunker.

But the 25-year-old rescued his par and when Fleetwood three-putted from just off the green, Rai claimed his second European Tour title.

A visibly shocked Rai said: “It’s incredible. I played a lot in Scotland growing up – dreamed of playing in a European Tour event in Scotland.

“To be able to play in it was incredible a couple of years ago. And to be able to go still further is an incredible feeling.

“I didn’t really see many leaderboards all the way around. I knew we had to play well – and knew we had to cope pushing forwards.

“But luckily I had a good couple of breaks and also played very well. So I’m very pleased.”

Rai picked up the winner’s cheque for €974,352.96. He picked up just under €300,000 for his first European Tour win in Hong Kong, less than two years ago.

Aaron added: “You have to play some world-class golf. But for it to be a Rolex Series – with the class of field this week – is deeply satisfying.

“And yeah, I’m incredibly pleased. It’s a dream come true.

“If I’m honest, to win any event on the European Tour is amazing,” added Rai.

Ironically, Fleetwood was his playing partner on that day too.

Tommy Fleetwood (right) congratulates Aaron Rai of England after winning the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club

Rai ready for Race to Dubai chase

VICTORY has given Rai some new goals to focus on for the rest of the 2020 season. That includes the possibility of being crowned European No. 1.

“The Race to Dubai wasn’t something I was thinking of. Or certainly winning it wasn’t something I was thinking of before this week.

“Any time you’re up there in the Race to Dubai – whether it’s winning it, whether it’s in the top three, top five – it shows a great degree of consistency with some really top results, as well.

“So still a long way to go in the season. But it’s a great spot to be in,” said Rai, who grew up in Wolverhampton, and recorded three Challenge Tour wins in 2017.

The latter included his maiden Challenge Tour victory in the Kenya Open.

That was watched by his mother Dalvir, who hailed from East Africa and returned to Mombasa for the first time in 47 years to see Rai win.

COVID-19 restrictions meant there were no fans or family to see his Rolex triumph.

Rai’s latest victory came after he finished second behind American John Catlin at last week’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, at Galgorm Castle.

It moved the former EuroPro Tour player, who turned pro in 2012, into the top five on the Race to Dubai rankings.

He is now also inside the top 100 of the Official World Golf Ranking, moving from 183rd to 88th overnight.

Rai started wearing two gloves at the age of eight. By then he was already shining in the annual Wee Wonders event – organised by East Lothian-based pro Alasdair Good, with the UK finals held at St Andrews, every October.

Rai’s first EuroPro Tour win also came in a play-off in Scotland at Mar Hall in the 2015 Glenfarclas Open. That earned him £10,000.

Now Rai has an even bigger reason to love golf North of the border and Scottish links courses in particular.

Tommy blames putter for not closing door at Renaissance Club

Fleetwood tees off on the 18th hole during the final round of the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open

FLEETWOOD was prepared to put his near-miss down to an indifferent week with the putter.

Tommy, whose fifth European Tour title came in last November’s Nedbank Challenge, said: “I hit a poor putt and that’s the end of it, really.

“Aaron played 72 holes very, very good, and it was Aaron’s time – and Aaron’s week. Congratulations to him.

“Obviously, I’d have loved it to have been me,” said the 29-year-old from Southport, who also missed a short birdie chance on the par–five 16th.

The Ryder Cup star added: “But overall looking back at the week, there’s so many putts that probably cost me going further in the tournament. But that’s golf.

“There’s a lot of areas in the game that you have to do well to win. One putt on 18 on the 72nd hole… putting cost me at the end. But that’s life and we try again next week.

“I played really, really good – especially the back nine. I felt really in control of my game, and nobody beat me over 72 holes.

“It was Aaron’s time and that’s how it goes.”

Overnight leader Robert Rock battled back with four birdies on the back nine only to bogey the 18th in the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open.

Robert Rock left counting cost of bogey at the last

OVERNIGHT leader Robert Rock, who also hails from the West Midlands, missed out on a place in the play-off by one shot.

Rock had slept on a two-shot lead. He dropped two shots on the front nine, before making four birdies in seven holes.

But the two-time European Tour winner missed out with a bogey at the last for a round of 70.

Australian Lucas Herbert picked up six shots in the first 10 holes, to bounce back from a 79 in Saturday’s storm. His 65 posted the clubhouse lead at nine-under.

Scotland’s also Marc Warren – playing with Rai – bogeyed the last to drop back to nine-under after a superb 66.

Warren and Herbert were a shot clear of Sweden’s Marcus Kinhult, Woburn’s Ian Poulter, South African Erik van Rooyen.

Ryder Cup captain Padraig Harrington was a shot back in a share of ninth.

Oxfordshire’s Eddie Pepperell, Essex’s Matthew Southgate, Frenchman Victor Dubuisson and Finn Kalle Samooja joined the Irish legen on seven-under.

•For full results at the Scottish Open click here.

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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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Scot David Law shot a fine 64 to lead the Betfred British Masters after the first round of the European Tour’s UK Swing at Close House. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

DAVID Law fired a flawless seven-under opening round 64 at the Betfred British Masters to take a one-stroke lead at the first tournament of the European Tour’s UK Swing.

The 29-year-old Scot, who has one European Tour title to his name, hit a red hot streak with seven birdies in eight holes from the sixth.

The only par during that run came courtesy of a wondrous save from the heavy gorse at the 11th.

Law said: “I was playing steady. You might not be sure what to expect coming into today after the long break. I was delighted with that.

“It’s still a little strange, but the Tour have done a fantastic job. So far I think it’s gone really well.

“The club has hosted us really well. It’s a new time for us, we’re all learning and we’ll all have to get used to it.

“The whole week so far has been very positive,” added the two-time Scottish Amateur champion.

“We’ve been lucky at home and not had anyone affected by the illness, thankfully.

“My daughter is 19 months old, so to have that extended time at home, I’ll never get that again. We had a great time.

“It was a nice time for me because I wasn’t playing the best going into that break. It was a good time to recharge and regroup.”

Fisher so happy be back playing golf

DAVID LAW, who won last year’s ISPS Handa Vic Open, finished the day one shot clear of Essx’s Oliver Fisher and Northumberland’s Garrick Porteous.

The English pair matched Italy’s Renato Paratore, who carded a round of 65 at Close House Golf Club, on the outskirts of Newcastle.

Fisher, who famously became the first player to shoot a 59 on the European Tour in Portugal two years ago, said: “I added my score up at the end and it’s weird to think I’ve shot 65 today.

“Obviously I’m chuffed about it. It’s weird to be back and playing professional golf, and I’m delighted with my score.

“I started off okay, the pins here and the greens are quite tricky in places. They tuck them and there are ridges on the edges of the greens where it can fall off and they can catch you out.

“There was a little bit of rain and it was quite fiery. There was a bit of a skid going, so with wedges early on it was hard to get close.

“I travelled up a couple of days ago, we’ve got a nice run in the UK. A lot of things to enjoy and hopefully we can all continue with social distancing and sticking to the routine of doing everything as properly as we can.

“The Tour have been great at stressing that to us. I’m delighted to be back and delighted with my score.”

Local knowledge helps Garrick Porteous

Garrick Porteous who won The Amateur Championship in 2013.
Picture by DAVID CANNON

GARRICK Porteous, who won The Amateur Championship at Royal Cinque Ports in 2013, revealed a lot of local knowledge had contributed to his good start.

The 30-year-old, who played in the 2013 Open and made his Masters debut in 2014, has been confined to the Challenge Tour for most of his six years as a professional.

Porteous, who earned his European Tour card at last year’s Qualifying School, said: “I’ve played a few mini-tour things in the Leeds area.

“But I live 15 minutes from here, so I’ve been practising here a lot. I’ve played the course for so many years now anyway.

“It’s in great condition. I’m pretty familiar with the course, but its in the best condition I’ve ever seen it.

“Knowing the course so well can put a bit more pressure on you. I probably felt that early on.

“Once I settled down and made some birdies it was alright. I made some good swings and some good birdies.”

Physical work in lockdown pays off for Paratore

PARATORE, who hails from Rome, said: “I played really solid. I had a bogey-free round and played really well from tee to green.

“I started really well with three birdies, I saved a couple of pars with some really good putts – a solid round.

“It was a good way to come back. It was good to know the European Tour was starting again.

Renato added: “It wasn’t easy during the lockdown. I’m really happy to be here right now.

“During lockdown I didn’t practice, just physically and rested a lot,” said the Italian, who lost a play-off to Danish teenager Rasmus Højgaard in Mauritius, in December.

“Then golf courses reopened, so I started to practice a lot in June. So I prepared well for the first tournament,” said the winner of the 2017 Nordea Masters.

Tournament host Lee Westwood, battled to a one-under 70 while Oxfordshire’s Eddie Pepperell had a solid start on his return to golf after four months out, signing for a four-under 67.

•For live scoring in round two and to follow David Law click here.

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Lee Westwood with his caddy and fiancé Helen Storey playing in last year’s Betfred British Masters at Hillside. Next week he will host the event for a second time at Close House.
Picture by GETTY IMAGES

LEE Westwood will become the first player to host the Betfred British Masters on two occasions when the tournament returns to Close House, near Newcastle-upon-Tyne, next week.

The third European Tour event since a four-month absence because of the coronavirus pandemic, also marks the start of its new six-event UK Swing.

Play gets under way on Wednesday with a Saturday finish as the European Tour avoids clashing with Sky’s coverage of the final day of the Premiership football season, on Sunday afternoon.

The former World No. 1 was host the last time the Betfred British Masters was played at the North East venue in 2017.

And he’ll be joined in the field by the last three winners as he aims to clinch the British Masters title for the second time – following his victory at The Belfry, in 2007.

Westwood enjoyed an impressive start to 2020, before the season was suspended in March due to the global coronavirus pandemic.

The Worksop wonder won the season’s first Rolex Series event – the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, in January,

That was his 25^th European Tour title. Westwood currently sits second in the Race to Dubai Rankings.

The Betfred British Masters marks the full resumption of the European Tour’s 2020 season, following two dual-ranking events in Austria.

All tournaments in the reshaped 2020 season will be subject to stringent safety and testing protocols.

Westwood ‘delighted’ to be host

“I’m delighted to be hosting again,” said 10-time Ryder Cup player Westwood, who has relocated to Newcastle from his native Nottinghamshire.

Lee Westwood has been the touring pro attached to Close House, since 2011

“I did it in 2017 – three years ago here at Close House – and I really enjoyed it. I learned a lot about what goes in to running a golf tournament. So it was interesting to see things from a different perspective.

“It’s a tough job and a tiring one at that. It was tough to do it that week and play golf too.

“I sort of ran out of steam towards the end, but it is going to be different this year.

“No crowds, a little less media and things like that, which will allow me to focus more time on trying to win the golf tournament this time round.

“It’s great that the Betfred British Masters is the first event to kick off the UK Swing. Betfred have been an incredible sponsor.

“They have stuck with us all through it, and they are very excited to be involved again this year.

“My preparation has gone well. The first few weeks we were in lockdown and we weren’t allowed to play golf,.

“So I had a big break from it then. But since golf courses have opened up again, and we are able to get back out on the golf course, I have played most days, probably three or four times a week.

“I have played a lot of golf of late and certainly no one will have played the golf course as much as I have.”

Kinhult would love to win Masters again

ONE man aiming to derail Westwood’s bid to lift the trophy again is defending champion Marcus Kinhult.

Marcus Kinhult interviewed on TV after his victory at Hillside in the British Betfred Masters a year ago

The Swede birdied the final two holes at Hillside Golf Club last season.

He finished one shot ahead of a group of players including 2018 champion Eddie Pepperell – who is also in the field.

Also bidding for a second British Masters title is Paul Dunne, who triumphed in style at Close House in 2017.

The Irishman produced a fantastic closing round of 61 to hold off a late charge from Rory McIlroy, and win his first European Tour title.

Close House will also witness a historic moment next week. The legendary Miguel Ángel Jiménez is set to make his 706^th European Tour appearance.

The 56-year-old Spaniard will equal Sam Torrance’s all-time record.

Wylie Foundation first to benefit from ‘Golf for Good’

THE Sir Graham Wylie Foundation has once again been appointed as the tournament’s official charity partner.

Sir Graham Wylie, the owner of Close House, will see the European Tour’s Golf for Good project support his own charitable foundation during the 2020 British Masters

Foundation patron Westwood will throw his support behind the work of founder Sir Graham Wylie, who also owns the venue.

He is one of the North East’s best-known entrepreneurs and philanthropists.

The European Tour launches its ‘Golf for Good’ initiative, which will run across the six-week UK Swing, at Close House.

A total of £500,000 will be distributed to local charities at each venue – including next week’s good cause.

The other charities will be chosen by the leading 10 players in a mini-Order of Merit, running across the UK Swing.

‘Golf for Good’ will underpin the rest of the European Tour season. It aims to give back in three key areas:–
Supporting communities where the European Tour plays
Rewarding true heroes, such as frontline workers
Promoting the many health benefits golf offers.

The 13th hole at Close House’s Westwood Colt Course, which will stage the Betfred British Masters for a second time from July 22-25.

•Westwood’s association with Close House came in 2011 when he opened the Colt Course, which will host the British Masters.

He also became the club’s touring pro.

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The Old Course at St Andrews is set to reopen to St Andrews Links Trust yearly ticketholders on Friday, along with the New, Eden and Balgove courses.

THE Old Course at St Andrews – the Home of Golf – is set to reopen on Friday, subject to an 11th hour approval by the Scottish Government on Thursday night.

But visitors will have to wait as tee times are restricted to St Andrews Links Trust’s yearly ticketholders from around the town in Fife – as the Scottish Government’s restricition on journeys remains at five miles.

The oldest golf course in the world will be back in play in time for the weekend, along with the New, Eden and Balgove.

The Strathtyrum, Jubilee and Castle will reopen in stages in the coming days and weeks. The Eden will be split into two loops to encourage people to play nine holes.

St Andrews Links Trust – which operates the seven courses at the Home of Golf – will insist on the following restrictions and guidelines for the coming weeks as players return.

Play will be restricted to Links ticketholders, who will play in a maximum of two-balls – 12 minutes apart. They must have a pre-booked tee time.

The ballot system will remain for the Old Course for Monday to Saturday. There is no play on Sundays.

Once the daily ballot is published, unallocated tee times can be booked by phone on (01334) 466666.

Yearly ticketholders can book a tee time for the other three courses online from 7pm – two days before play – and over the phone from 9am the day before.

Golfers can be from the same household, or two different ones – providing the players have no COVID-19 symptoms, are not in self-isolation or have been out of the country in the previous 14 days.

Social distancing must be observed on arrival at the Old Course and at all times during rounds.

The St Andrews Links Clubhouse will remain closed during the first phase of golf returning to St Andrews Old Course later this week.

Links Trust delighted to reopen Old

THE St Andrews Links Tust said it was “delighted” to share its plans for a phased reopening of the Old Course, known as the “Old Lady.”St

A spokesman said: “The return of golf is hugely important for our community and eagerly anticipated by us all.

“We will continue to monitor and review our policies and practices before we consider re-introducing guests and visitors in the coming weeks.

“We would like to thank everyone for their patience and continued support throughout this unprecedented period.

“Everyone in our community, every individual, every family, every business, every organisation has been impacted by this global pandemic.

“We are committed to ensuring that as we overcome these challenging times, the Links provides a safe and enjoyable environment for us to all come together – and play our part in a sensible and responsible manner.

“In order to move forward, we have had to begin preparing for the new normals – and new responsibilities that we must adhere to – if golf is to play an active role in emerging from this crisis.”

The Trust’s clubhouses, restaurants, the St Andrews Golf Academy and shops also remain closed in line with government guidance.

Players should change in the car park. No toilet facilities will be available in the first phase.

Flagpoles should not be touched – holes have been modified for simple ball retrieval.

All bunker rakes have been removed. Players should smooth sand with their club/feet, and must not pick up other players’ equipment or ball – nor exchange food or drinks.

ST ANDREWS LINKS TROPHY CALLED OFF

The Scottish Government’s decision to scale back some of the lockdown restrictions was announced on Friday.

But it has taken another week for golf to get the green light north of the border. England’s golf courses reopened two weeks ago on May 13.

But Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon refused to be rushed into allowing certain sports – including golf – the chance to resume after more than two months because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The St Andrews Trust spokesman added: “We urge everyone to be respectful of our guidelines to ensure that, in time, we can move to a fully phased reintroduction of the game – as we all know and love it.

“The health and wellbeing of colleagues, customers and golfers remains our priority, and we have developed our operations – and phased return – to promote social distancing at all times.”

•For full details on how to book a tee time at St Andrews, and to read the guidelines in full click here.

‘No rush to reschedule existing bookings’

VISITING golfers, who have existing bookings for the Old Course, should contact their authorised provider, to discuss prepaid bookings.

The Trust stressed this week there was no urgency to discuss reschedule times if you booked direct.

The reservations team is dealing with a high volume of queries. Contacting them via email in the first instance would be appreciated, the Links Trust said.

“We will continue to deal with queries throughout the weeks and months ahead. We thank you in advance for your patience. Thank you for your continued support,” said the spokesman.

The post St Andrews Old Course set to reopen on Friday along with Eden, The New and Balgove appeared first on Golf North.

The Renaissance Club was set to stage the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open in July – the European Tour is looking to move it back in the season. Picture by SHIRLEY PINDER

TWO more European Tour tournaments have been cancelled while the Scottish Open – part of the Rolex Series – has been postponed as a result of the continuing threat posed by the spread of the coronavirus.

The BMW International Open and the French Open will not take place in 2020 while European Tour staff are looking to move the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open from its July date to later in the season.

The BMW International Open, which has been played every year in Germany since 1989, was due to take place at Golfclub Munchen Eichenried, in Munich, from June 25-28.

The French Open – continental Europe’s oldest national open, was scheduled to take place a week later, July 2-5, at Le Golf National, near Paris, which staged the 2018 Ryder Cup.

It has been cancelled following the French government’s decision to cancel all mass public gatherings and events until mid-July.

The Scottish Open was one of eight Rolex Series events announced at the start of the 2020 season.

It was scheduled to return to The Renaissance Club, in North Berwick, from July 9-12 – but could now form part of a plan to stage several events in the UK later in the season (see below).

European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley said: “The decision to cancel the BMW International Open, which has been a cornerstone of the European Tour calendar for three decades, and the Open de France – one of our most historic national opens – was made in consultation with our long-term partner BMW and the French Golf Federation, respectively, with public health and well-being the absolute priority for all of us.

“Both Germany and France have been significantly impacted by Coronavirus, and our thoughts go out to everyone affected in both countries, as well as elsewhere around the world.

“In consultation with Aberdeen Standard Investments, VisitScotland and Rolex, we have also decided to postpone the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open, which is part of our prestigious Rolex Series.

“Discussions about the possibility of rescheduling this event will continue as we look at a variety of different scenarios for our schedule for when it is safe and permitted to resume playing.

“We will only announce details of these plans when we have clarity on the global situation.”

•The latest cancellations bring the total number of events postponed in 2020 by the European Tour to nine, with five more events cancelled completely.

The Wentworth-based European Tour is working on plans for its UK events later this year

‘European Tour considers UK swing’

A LETTER sent from Pelley to Tour players earlier this week – and backed up by a Sky TV interview with Eddie Pepperell – revealed the tour are considering running up to four events in the UK over a condensed period.

They could even be played without fans, the European Tour has said – the PGA Tour announced the first four events of its resumed season will be played behind closed doors, yesterday.

The likely scenario being discussed would see the BMW PGA Championship go ahead at Wentworth, to be followed or preceded by a rearranged Betfred British Masters, which was due to be played at Newcastle’s Close House, at the end of July.

The BMW PGA it is currently scheduled to be played the week before the US Open, at Winged Foot (September 17-20), which was rearranged earlier this month by the USGA.

The Scottish Open and the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship – due to be played at St Andrews the week after the Ryder Cup (September 25-27) – could form part of a British Swing to resurrect the 2020 season.

The biggest problem is that European stars heading to the States for the US Open face being isolated for up to 14 days, which could force the European Tour into moving the BMW PGA back til after the Ryder Cup which would mean October.

Wentworth hosted the World Match Play Championship in October between 1964 and 2007 – but with a much smaller field.

The lack of daylight would affect any events the European Tour hopes to stage in October – the Alfred Dunhill Links has been a celebrity pro-am since 2001, attracting stars from sport and entertainment in the US and UK, including Hollywood actors.

It also traditionally has one of the biggest purses on the European Tour – and was easily the biggest outside the 2020 Rolex Series with €5million at stake.

Combining the Dunhill Links with a rearranged Scottish Open would make the most sense logistically, given the need to make it easy for players from all over the world to compete in any rearranged tournaments – before the climax to the Race to Dubia, due to take place in Italy, China, Turkey, South Africa and Dubai in November or early December.

The post Scottish Open put back with chance of a British Swing to save European Tour season? appeared first on Golf North.

England Golf Statement Regarding Coronavirus

England Golf  – in light of the developing situation with the COVID-19 outbreak – has today issued the following guidance to all our affiliated golf clubs and golfers.

We fully recognise the need to adhere to the expert advice available and as such we would point all our clubs in the direction of the guidelines set out in detail by Public Health England via their website.

Details on how best to cope with the virus can also be found via the World Health Organisation website which will provide rolling updates and the best ways to mitigate against the spread of the infection.

NHS England also provide updated and expert advice via their website.

All golf clubs should note, act upon and continually monitor the advice and guidance issued by these expert authorities in relation to the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

It is important that we all work together, following the advice of qualified professionals, in controlling the spread of COVID-19.

This remains a very fluid situation and England Golf will continue to take their lead from the government and public health authorities when it comes to safeguarding our clubs and members and offering practical and necessary steps to ensure the health and wellbeing of golfers and golf club staff.

England Golf chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson said: “The expert practical advice that is available from the health authorities and national government should remain the first point of reference for all our golf clubs and golfers.

“This is clearly a fluid and developing situation and we will continue to monitor events as they progress and pass on the relevant information to our stakeholders.

“By working in alignment with those who are specialists in this field, we will be able to take the necessary precautions and provide the correct measures to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak.”

Where do you want to go next?

• Scottish Golf statement
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• NHS website
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Jorge Campillo claimed his second European Tour win at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters at Education City Golf Club, denying David Drysdale at the fifth play-off hole.
Picture by GETTY IMAGES

JORGE Campillo holed three monster birdie putts to defeat David Drysdale in an extraordinary play-off to win his second European Tour title at the 2020 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.

First he holed from 25-feet after finding sand off the tee with the veteran Scott having a makeable putt from just six feet.

Then Campillo then watched a 20-footer drop for an unlikely three at the second play-off hole – this time Drysdale, who had not recorded a win in 497 European Tour starts, was inside four feet under the hole.

With his wife Vicky on the bag, Drysdale could only grin as the Spaniard celebrated another unlikely birdie before the pair shared a fist bump as they headed back to the 18th tee.

Both men made routine pars on the third and fourth play-off holes and were given a buggy to make their way down the fairway as the light began to fade at Doha’s Education City, the new host for the Qatar Masters.

Another putt from beyond 20 feet brought Campillo a birdie. And when Drysdale missed from similar range, Campillo was a two-time winner in his 250th event after five extra trips up the last.

A delighted Campillo said: “I’m just so proud right now of the way I played in the play-off.

“I hardly missed a shot and I was able to make some putts. I’m very thankful for everyone that helped me and Callaway with the new material that helped me a lot.

“I played not so good on the first few holes and then in the middle of the round I played okay,” said the overnight leader.

“Apart from 17, I was solid. You know how the mind works, I wasn’t expecting to make a bogey on 16, on that tee shot I was comfortable.

“But I was a little bit scared of the driver on 17. I missed it there and then I hit a bad putt, I don’t normally hit bad putts from off the green.

“I knew I was still in the game and I was able to pull it off. I hit some good shots coming in the middle of the round.

“But you have to be patient – you have to try hard. I knew I was going to make some putts,” added the runner-up in last year’s event, who had made a slow start to the 2020 season.

“It was a tough win but I’m glad I pulled it off. It’s been tough. I didn’t get to practise that much, too many things to do.

“Getting married and then the honeymoon,” explained Jorge Campilllo.

“New caddie, new clubs so everything was a little different, my game was a little off, but I knew that with practice I would get to where I was.”

The fact that the pair made four birides in the play-off on course designer Jose-Maria Olazabal’s testing 18th hole was testament to the pair’s play – only two birdies were made on the last in regulation by the 77-strong field on Sunday.

“Three birdies out of six on 18 to win is something to be proud of,” added the new champion.

“It’s a great par four, 18. A tough hole. David was hitting some great shots into the hole and I had to make some putts,” added Campillo, who was ranked Spain’s No. 1 amateur for six years having won the Big Ten triple crown in 2008, while at Indiana University.

Late bogeys sent Qatar into play-off

THE Spaniard held a two-shot lead with two holes to play as Drysdale and Denmark’s Jeff Winter tried to close the gap in the hunt for their maiden victories.

But a dropped shot on the 16h followed by a double bogey on the 17th dropped Jorge Campillo – the winner of the Trophee Hassan II in Morocco, just under a year ago, back to 13-under.

There was one more twist however, as the long-time leader left his 25-feet birdie attempt on the 18th in the jaws of the hole.

And that meant the European Tour went to extra holes for the second week in a row in the Middle East.

Jorge Campillo had to wait 229 events for his first European Tour victory but has now won in consecutive seasons.

For Drysdale, it was the 498th European Tour event without a win and a fourth runner-up finish – the last had been at the 2018 Alfred Dunhill Championship, in South Africa.

Winther bogeyed the 16th and 17th to finish one shot out of the play-off alongside Swede Niklas Lemke and Finn Kalle Samooja, who was looking to cash in on the success of rookie Sami Valimaki, who became the fourth Finnish player to win on Tour in Oman last week.

Lemke shot a best-of-day 65 – matched by Gavin Green – while Alexander Björk was at 11-under.

That was a shot clear of fellow countryman Marcus Kinhult as both Swedes chased their second wins on Tour.

Italy’s Nino Bertasio – who closed with a 66 – South African George Coetzee, Spaniard Pablo Larrazábal and England’s Chris Paisley also finished on 10-under.

•For final scores in Qatar click here.

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Samuel Simpson claimed the Proudfoot Trophy for South Africa after winning the 36-hole strokeplay qualifier at the South African Amateur Championship at Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club, on Monday. Picture by ERNEST BLIGNAULT.

SAMUEL Simpson claimed the Proudfoot Trophy for topping the 36-hole strokeplay qualifier for the matchplay stage of the Aon South African Amateur Championship.

After hitting possibly the best two-iron of his life, it set up what turned out to be a decisive eagle for Simpson.

After making three birdies in the opening seven holes to pull himself into a share of the lead, which stood at 10-under after Casey Jarvis set the clubhouse target in the morning at Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club in the morning, Simpson eagled eight.

That put him into a lead he never relinquished as South African Simpson made one more birdie on his way in after the turn and saw off the challenging group that included England’s Joe Long and Haider Hussain, who maintained their form from last week’s South African Stroke Play Championship at Randpark, where they finished in the top 10.

Seventeen-year-old Simpson, from the Western Province, said: “I took three-wood off the tee on the eighth hole just to put myself into position.

“I had 245 to the flag and I hit a great two-iron to about three feet and rolled that one in for eagle. That was really cool.”

There are some big names on the Proudfoot Trophy, including Masters winner Trevor Immelman, European Tour winners Brandon Stone and Haydn Porteous.

And more recently, that list includes former Freddie Tait Cup winner Jovan Rebula, the 2018 Amateur Champion, who is the nephew of four-time Major winner Ernie Els.

“It’s great,” said Simpson. “I haven’t really thought about the names that have been on it, but it will be really cool to see my name on it in the future.”

The East Course at Royal Johannesburg is a stern test and, for Simpson to have gone bogey-free as he held on to his three-stroke edge over Jarvis, countryman Christiaan Maas and Gloucestershire’s Joseph Long was an impressive feat.

He felt his putter let him down somewhat in last week’s South African Stroke Play, which Jarvis romped away with.

“It was not the best putting performance from me last week,” said Simpson. “This week, it’s only two weeks done, but the putter was definitely rolling and I’m looking forward to more like it in the match play.”

Jarvis got it to 11-under as he looked to be on his way to a possible second title inside seven days.

But he incurred a penalty stroke for inadvertently marking and lifting his ball which was just on the edge of a green.

That saw him finish at 10-under, and although that was three strokes back, he was still in a good place going into this week’s matchplay.

“I played some good golf out there,” said Jarvis. “I’m really confident heading into the matchplay. I’m pleased for my friend Sam for winning the Proudfoot – he deserves it because he’s been playing very well lately.”

Long Ashton’s Joe Long broke the course record at Royal Johnannesburg with a 65 in his second round, finishing second in the Proudfoot Trophy. Picture by ERNEST BLIGNAULT

LONG’S seven-under-par 65 will be the new course record at Royal after the course underwent some extensive renovation and changes ahead of its reopening last year in January.

The Lansdowne Golf Club member started his round with a bogey on the 10th, which could have disheartened him, but didn’t.

“I had a good bounce-back after the bogey with two birdies in a row,” said Long who lost in the final of the 2018 English Amateur to Sussex’s Tom Thurloway.

The member of the England team over the past two years added: “And then I had another bogey. I dropped the eagle on 18. It was two great shots in and I holed an 18-footer.

“Then I hit another two good shots and holed a six-footer on one. The putter was just on fire, really.”

As the top 64 players go into the matchplay, on Tuesday, the East Course is going to ask some questions of them as they scheme to bring down an opponent, rather than trying to overpower the course.

Long added: “There are some really demanding tee shots that you have to step up and commit to.

“There are tighter fairways. I prefer that and I’m mentally prepared for that,” added Long, who first visited South Africa two winters ago with fellow Gloucestershire team-mate Mitch Waite – who went on to play in the Eisenhower Trophy in 2018, and is now playing on the EuroPro Tour.

For Simpson, the satisfaction of winning the Proudfoot Trophy helps his state of mind going into the shoot-out which is match play.

“I started yesterday with a nice seven-under, which put me in a good position to go out there today and shoot a low number,” said Simpson.

“I just have to put things into perspective and tell myself that it’s only two rounds done. There are a lot of matchplay rounds left. I’ve just got to focus on going out there tomorrow and playing the best I can.”

The final spots for the first round of the knock-out stages were decided in a 10-man play-off on two-over-par, with Frenchman Elliot Anger and South Africans Siyanda Mwandla and Christopher Gutuza coming up trumps.

Also through to the knockout is Yorkshire’s Hampshire Salver winner Sam Bairstow, who was fifth, on the same score as Norfolk’s James Biggs and Scotland’s Darren Howie and Conor Wilson.

Yorkshire’s Sam Bairstow is through to the last 64 at the South African Amateur Championship. Picture by ERNEST BLIGNAULT

Scotland’s Stuart Easton and James Wilson, were 30th and 33rd respectively after both carded rounds of 70 and 71 over the two days to make into the draw.

Wiltshire’s Scottish Amateur Strokeplay Champion Jake Bolton, from Ogbourne Downs, who led qualifying at the English Amateur in August, was 37th after two rounds of 71.

Peterborough and Milton England international Robin Williams finished in 45th place, while Harleyford’s Peter Handcock also made it through.

The latter lost to Amateur Champion Scott Gregory in his first taste of a national championshp in the English at The Berkshire in 2017, recovered from an opening 75 to card a 69 and grab 48th place.

•To see the final scores in the Proudfoot Trophy click here. For details of the draw for the first round of the matchplay in the South African Amateur Championship click here.

Scotland’s Darren Howie finished in the top five to make it into the matchplay at the South African Amateur Championship. Picture by ERNEST BLIGNAULT

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JC Ritchie claimed his seventh Sunshine Tour title – and his first co-sanctioned with the European Challenge Tour – after defending his Limpopo Championship crown.
Picture by SUNSHINE TOUR

JC RITCHIE carded a five-under par 67 in his final round to successfully defend his Limpopo Championship title and claim the opening tournament on the 2020 Road to Mallorca season.

The South African held off a determined charge from his compatriot Wilco Nienaber at Euphoria Golf Club to seal his second consecutive victory at the tournament.

Ritchie, who had six Sunshine Tour victories going into the Limpopo Championship started the day two shots behind overnight leader Jacques Kruyswijk.

But the 25-year-old, who represents The Els Club Copperleaf, soon took control with three front nine birdies to reach the turn with a one-shot advantage.

And the Pretoria-based pro picked up two further gains over the closing stretch to finish two shots clear of Nienaber on 19-under.

JC Ritchie was bogey-free throughout the weekend and admitted he needed to play some of the best golf of his career to top the 204-player co-sanctioned field.

“It feels really awesome to win this week,” Ritchie said. “After winning last year, to come back and win it again just feels unbelievable – and I don’t think it has started to sink in yet.

“To have the Challenge Tour players coming to play the event this year definitely made defending the title harder.

“And I found myself getting rather nervous on my back nine, but I was able to keep it together well.

“I feel like I played the best golf I possibly could have played this weekend, and I don’t really feel like I could have played any better out there today.

“To play bogey-free over the weekend is crazy good golf, especially with the conditions over the last few days, which were tough.

“I’m planning to head over to Europe to play some events on the Challenge Tour this year,” revealed Ritchie who picked up a cheque for €35,957.35.

“First though, I think there is quite a party waiting for me at home,” he added.

The Limpopo Championship was co-sanctioned with the European Challenge Tour for the first time this season.

Nienaber came agonisingly close to securing his first professional title but was ultimately forced to settle for second place despite carding a sublime five-under 67 to match Ritchie’s Sunday score.

The 19-year-old finished two shots clear of overnight leader Kruyswijk and fellow South African Hennie du Plessis, with Louis de Jager ensuring the host country rounded out the top five places.

JC Ritchie takes an early lead on the Road to Mallorca Rankings as he looks to secure his European Tour card for the first time this season.

First-round leader Daniel van Tonder finished in ninth place – one shot ahead of Scotland’s Craig Howie, who had three top 10s in top amateur events in South Africa, in 2017, and finished T11th at the South African Amateur Strokeplay that same season.

The Peebles pro – who finished 34th at the European Tour Qualifying School, in November, missing out on a card by two shots – clearly relishes the continent’s conditions.

•To see the final results from Limpopo, click here.

The Challenge Tour now travels to Cape Town for the RAM Cape Town Open, which gets under way from February 6-9.

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