The
No fewer than eight of the top 20 on the Official World Golf Ranking will assemble on the Bonnie, Bonnie Banks to contest the £2.4 million tournament. For one player, it will afford a wonderful opportunity to win a prestigious title and at the same time confirm that individual’s wellbeing for the challenge at Royal Liverpool Golf Club.
Leading the race to become the 11th champion since the event took up residence at
Goosen won in 2001 while Els is the only multiple winner at Loch Lomond, having been successful in 2000 and 2003 while, alongside them,
Els, seeking a hat-trick of successes, has a close affinity with
“It is a wonderful golf course and a wonderful week, and not only for me, but also for my family who always thoroughly enjoy their time at
England’s David Howell, the current European Tour Order of Merit leader and tenth in the World Ranking, returns to action after a short break along with Luke Donald (12th), Colin Montgomerie (13th), José Maria Olazábal (14th) and Tim Clark (17th).
Defending champion Clark of South Africa and Spaniard Olazábal were the two players who chased Phil Mickelson all the way to the winning post in his quest for his second Green Jacket at the 2006 Masters Tournament.
Clark, who won by two shots from Barclays-sponsored player, Darren Clarke, and Maarten Lafeber last year, said: “Winning The 2005 Barclays Scottish Open title was one of the greatest moments of my career.
“The support of the crowds was awesome and I won’t forget the excitement of the final day for many years to come! It is an honour for me to defend my title this year and I am very much looking forward to returning to
Clarke, who would love nothing better than to present his sponsors with a victory, said: “The Barclays Scottish Open is one of the best on The European Tour schedule for several reasons. It attracts one of the strongest fields of the year, is played on one of the best-conditioned courses and has one of the greatest sponsors.
“Barclays have turned the Scottish Open into a world-class event and it is one I look forward to every year. There is always a special atmosphere at
The event is of special significance for one proud Scotsman – namely Sam Torrance, who becomes the first player in the history of The European Tour to make 700 starts, 35 years after making his debut on Tour in the Agfa-Gevaert tournament at
On that occasion,