Stars tee up for a summer of great golf
It wouldn’t be summer in Scotland without some of the world’s biggest golf events rolling into town – and this year Dundonald Links in Ayrshire will have a double helping of golfing stars gracing its fairways.
Scotland’s summer of golf will tee off with the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open at Dundonald from July 13-16. World No 4 Rory McIlroy, 2015 champion Rickie Fowler, current Open champion Henrik Stenson and former Masters winner Adam Scott will be among those battling for the title.
two weeks later, it will be the turn of the ladies with the return of the Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open from July 27-30. It will feature the best field in the event’s history, with seven of the world’s top ten competing. this is the first time it will be played on the same course as the men’s event.
Both events will have something for everyone, from golf fanatics to families looking for a great day out. ladiesscottishopen.com
At the Scottish Open, headline acts such as the Red Hot Chilli Pipers and Roddy Hart & the Lonesome Fire will entertain the crowds after play has finished.
Fun family activities will include a bungee run, inflatable obstacle course, play bus, carousel, face painting and nature trail.
Fans of all ages will also be able to get up close to their favourite golfers, with a series of player Q&As on the show stage. there will also be a special kids’ zone as part of the first Golf Show by American Golf in association with the European tour and Sky Sports.
the inaugural show will be a dream for fans, allowing them to get their hands on the newest equipment and technology on offer, as well as participate in interactive competitions.
the entertainment starts on the evening of tuesday, July 11, with the Hero Challenge – an exciting, free-to-attend one-hole knockout contest featuring stars including Henrik Stenson.
It will be presented by Vernon Kay and Kirsty Gallacher. Celebrities including former Scotland rugby international thom Evans and ex-Westlife singer Brian McFadden will also entertain the crowd with their own knock-out contest.
A free bus service, in conjunction with Stagecoach, will run every day of the tournament between Irvine Central and Dundonald Links.
timings will tie in with the regular train service between Glasgow Central and Irvine Central, with buses running every 15 minutes from thursday to Saturday and every 30 minutes on Sunday.
there is also free public car parking on a first-come, first-served basis at Dundonald Links.
the Ladies Scottish Open will also complement its world-class field, which will include golf stars such as Lydia Ko, Ariya Jutanugarn, Michelle Wie, and Catriona Matthew, with a host of family-friendly activities in the spectator village.
Fans can take advantage of a fantastic two-for-one ticket deal by purchasing a ticket for the Scottish Open, from only £30, to get a free ticket for the Ladies Scottish Open.
Entry for under-16s is free for both events. aamscottishopen.com