The Road to Mallorca heads to Scotland for the Farmfoods Scottish Challenge supported by The R&A, taking place at Newmachar Golf Club. Here’s everything you need to know for the week ahead…
King Koepka
Four-time Major winner Brooks Koepka earnt automatic promotion to the DP World Tour in 2013 after securing his third victory of the European Challenge Tour season at the Scottish Challenge, which took place at Macdonald Spey Valley. The American took the decision to travel to Europe and play on the Challenge Tour in 2012 and after four victories on the Tour, he left as one of the hottest prospects in world golf.
The 31-year-old claimed a three-shot victory in Scotland, which included a course-record equalling round of 62 in round three and went on to become one of the world’s best. Koepka won the U.S. Open in 2017 and 2018, and the PGA Championship in 2018 and 2019, becoming the first golfer in history to hold back-to-back titles in two Majors simultaneously. The Florida State University graduate became World Number One in the Official World Golf Ranking in 2018 after winning the CJ Cup.
Newmachar Golf Club
Newmachar Golf Club is one of the leading golf facilities in Scotland, boasting two fantastic 18-hole courses – Hawkshill and Swailend. The Farmfoods Scottish Challenge supported by The R&A will take place on the Hawkshill Championship Course, a picturesque heathland course which provides one of toughest tests of golf in Aberdeen.
The Hawkshill Championship Course hosted the Scottish Seniors Open in 1997, which witnessed two-time Ryder Cup player Tommy Horton secure victory, while the course has also provided the setting for three PGA EuroPro Tour events since 2015.
Lawrie providing pathway for next generation
1999 Open Champion Paul Lawrie will be promoting this week’s event in Scotland as he continues to provide opportunities for the next generation of golfers in Scotland. The 53-year-old set up the Tartan Pro Tour, which is a Scottish based Tour that provides a stepping-stone for aspiring tournament professionals to reach the highest levels of competition. Scotsman Jack McDonald secured an invite to this week’s Farmfoods Scottish Challenge supported by The R&A after winning the Tartan Pro Tour’s Order of Merit. McDonald will join countryman Sam Locke, who recently became the first three-time winner on the Tartan Pro Tour, in the field at Newmachar Golf Club.
