European Golf Team Championships 2018

A unifying and vibrant brand has been launched by the participating sports to promote the new European Championships which will be staged for the first time in Glasgow and Berlin between the 1st and 12th August 2018 but the interesting part of this is the inclusion of golf for the first time.

A new golf team championship will be part of the multi-sport event, joining the existing European Championships of athletics, aquatics, cycling, gymnastics, rowing and triathlon.

The European Golf Team Championships will take place at the Gleneagles PGA Centenary Course. The Golf event will be staged over 5 days and include men’s team, women’s team and mixed team competition. Two male and female athletes per nation will participate, with the top 16 European nations included.

Keith Waters, The European Tour’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “It is very exciting for Golf Europe to be invited to join some of Europe’s leading sports in the inaugural European Sports Championships, with three new European Golf Team Championships for female, male and mixed teams.

“This is part of our vision of encouraging all European nations to participate in golf, and it is fitting that Gleneagles will host the first staging of this event, having been the venue for last year’s Ryder Cup, when Europe memorably united through team golf.”

The new European Championships logo was unveiled at an event in Glasgow, attended by Great Britain swimmer Ross Murdoch, who spoke of his “golden moment” when he won Commonwealth Games gold in the pool in 2014 in Glasgow and said he could not wait for the prospect of another chance to be a champion as part of a multi-sport event in front of a home crowd.

The dynamic Mark of a Champion is the star-like logo representing the vision at the heart of the multi-sport championships brand – to create a must-attend, must-watch experience that elevates the status of European Champions.

Jamie Hepburn, Scottish Government Minister for Sport, said: “I’m delighted that the Scottish Government has been able to support the 2018 European Championships. This is a totally new concept in European sport, so it’s tremendous that we can be at the forefront of that, welcoming all these world class athletes to Glasgow, and other venues across Scotland. We have a growing reputation when it comes to hosting major events like this, and I’m sure the people of Scotland will embrace these championships as only they can.”

It will be interesting

Mickelson, McDowell and Stenson confirmed for Castle Stuart

The Scottish Open is returning again this year to Castle Stuart Links between Inverness and Nairn this year and the big names are lining up again to hone their links golfing skills before heading south west to Troon in Ayrshire for The Open.

SIGTOA members will as usual be out in force with their clients in The Highlands for the event which when back to back with The Open being in Scotland offers a wonderful chance for visitors to watch two massive events and play some superb golf alongside.

Phil Mickelson and Henrik Stenson will this year renew rivalries in the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open at Castle Stuart Golf Links, where the popular American took the title in 2013 before lifting the Claret Jug the following week.

Five-time Major Champion Mickelson, World Number Five Stenson and former winner Graeme McDowell are among the star names so far confirmed for the 34th edition of Scotland’s national Open, which returns to the stunning Inverness venue from July 7-10, 2016.

Stenson led by two shots going into the final round at Castle Stuart three years ago, only to be pipped to the prize by Mickelson, who produced a trademark flop shot in the play-off with Branden Grace to secure his first victory in a regular European Tour event.

Mickelson cited that win as a key component in his subsequent triumph at Muirfield, and the 45 year old is hopeful of achieving another Scottish double when he warms up for The Open Championship at Royal Troon Golf Club with his seventh straight appearance – and 14th overall – in the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open.

Mickelson said: “I’m always excited about returning to Scotland, and particularly to Castle Stuart. I believe winning there in 2013 was key to my success the next week at The Open Championship.

“Beyond that, the nation is the home of golf and I really appreciate the fans’ golfing knowledge and their respect for the game. It’s always one of the highlights of my year when I compete in Scotland.”

If you want to find out more about golf trips that include either or both the Scottish Open at Castle Stuart or the Open at Royal Troon contact one of the Scottish Incoming Golf Tour Operators directly through the SIGTOA website.

Barra seek Clubhouse support

An endearing plea for help came our way from one of shall we say Scotland's more remote little golf courses!

Located on the tiny Hebridean Island of Barra, you will find the most Westerly Golf course in the UK!  The voluntary run Club provides a 9 hole course on one of the most unique, rugged landscapes with stunning views across the Atlantic.   Ok.....you may have to share some of it with cows and sheep, but they rarely distract you from the game!

But beauty comes with drawbacks.

The unpredictable weather in this highly exposed area provides no shelter for players.  Weekly, these active volunteers are maintaining the area. From fixing old machinery to enable them to do their grass cutting, maintaining the greens, fencing, cleaning and clearing of ditches.  A few months ago, the 2nd green collapsed due to erosion, but they quickly prepared another area to ensure play went on.....!

Formed in 1992, this Club runs with little financial support.  Other than membership fees and an honesty box, a price could not be put on the time and efforts that these volunteers provide.  But, they do it out of satisfaction - seeing their efforts being enjoyed by the large number of tourists and locals alike.

But, they now need help to fund a small club house in this unique but wild area.  This will provide warmth and shelter, kitchen, wc facilities and storage.   It is a necessity to ensure the future of the Club.  It is the main issue raised through feedback from users and tourists.  The only facility on the course are dilapidated containers - used for storage....and shelter!  An eye sore in such a beautiful location.  Help us remove them!

Can you help?  The group are not shy of hard work - this is evidential through their dedication and efforts on the greens.

For anyone that helps, they would warmly invite them to our course!   And possibly for a cup of tea too...

If you feel like helping out you can go to their Crowdfunder page here

Old Course to host the British Seniors 2018

As part of an ongoing series of announcements on major golf events for Scotland - including the Curtis Cup - the latest news sees the British Seniors head for THe Old Course at St. Andrews in 2018. It's probably been a surprise to many that the Seniors' open has actually never been played at the Home of Golf before but this is probably due to the calendar of events that are already in place.

It's some time away (July 26-29, 2018) and proabably a little early to start making travel plans but of course their will be a SIGTOA member who can help you even now!

The announcement, which was made jointly by The R&A and the European Tour at The Home of Golf, completes the full set of Major Championships to be held over the Old Course.

The 144th Open in 2015 was the 29th occasion on which the Championship has been played at St Andrews. The Ricoh British Women’s Open has been played there on two occasions and the Old Course will now become the 13th venue to accommodate the Senior Open Championship, which this year celebrates its 30th anniversary with a return to another famous Scottish venue at Carnoustie.
Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, and European Tour CEO, Keith Pelley, welcomed the decision to bring the Senior Open to an iconic location with which many of the world’s greatest senior golfers have a strong affinity.

The announcement also received unanimous support from several golfing greats, including five-time Champion Golfer of the Year and three-time Senior Open winner, Tom Watson, of the United States, who was a prime instigator behind the event heading to St Andrews for the first time.

Although he never claimed the Claret Jug at The Home of Golf – famously finishing tied second behind Seve Ballesteros alongside another European legend in Bernhard Langer in 1984 – Watson spoke of his desire to compete one last time over the famous links.

The 66-year-old made what he believed would be his final flourish on the Old Course during The Open last year, when he bade an emotional farewell to the Championship, which defined him as a golfer, on the Swilcan Bridge.

Watson is now set to return for one last hurrah, however, alongside a number of champions who can boast victories at St Andrews, including Sir Nick Faldo, Colin Montgomerie and John Daly, who turns 50 this year and is set to make his Senior debut at Carnoustie this July.

He said: “I am thrilled at the news that the Senior Open Championship Presented by Rolex will be staged over the Old Course for the first time in 2018. Only last July, I played what I believed would be my final competitive round of golf at The Open, and the reception I received as darkness fell on that Friday evening will stay with me always.

“However, The R&A, the European Tour and the St Andrews Links Trust have shown the spirit of cooperation that exists in the game. By agreeing to bring this wonderful Championship to the Home of Golf in July 2018, they have allowed not just me, but many other great champions, an opportunity to return to a venue that means so much to everyone who plays the game.”

Sir Nick Faldo, who captured the second of his three Open victories at St Andrews in 1990, also bade farewell to The Open on the same Friday as Watson in 2015 but he is already thinking about dusting down the clubs to compete in the Senior Open Presented by Rolex in 2 ½ years’ time.

The six-time Major Champion and Britain’s most successful golfer, said: “It is absolutely fantastic to see the Senior Open Championship going to St Andrews in 2018.  This certainly gives me another golfing goal and I only hope my game is good enough to give it a go on the Old Course!"

Montgomerie was part of the three-man Scotland team who claimed the Dunhill Cup in 1995. Exactly a decade later the three-time Senior Major Champion finished a credible runner-up behind Tiger Woods in The Open over the Old Course, before going one better in that year’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

He commented: “This is great news and will surely deliver the best field ever assembled for the Senior Open Championship. All credit to the powers that be to get the Senior Open at St Andrews for the first time. Even now, more than two years out, I am excited about the prospect. It’s a real coup for The R&A, the European Senior Tour, St Andrews Links Trust, Rolex and everyone associated with the event to get us playing senior golf at St Andrews.

“It will be great to see Tom Watson back, at the age of 68, where we thought he would play in a major for the last time in 2015. However, there will be a lot of other players, like Fred Couples and Bernhard Langer for instance, who will be excited by the prospect. It will be a real celebration of over-50s golf.”

For more information on watching golf in Scotland contact any of the members of SIGTOA through the website.

Well-plaid for Scotland’s PGA of America centennial links

To commemorate the historic centennial year of the PGA of America in 2016, Scotland has gifted the organisation a one-of-a-kind tartan weave to celebrate the country’s proud links with the organisation.

The PGA of America Centennial Tartan has been exclusively created to mark 100 years since the inception of the organisation and honours the role Scottish-born professional golfers played in its formation.

Five of the seven founding members of the first PGA of America committee were Scottish professionals, including Robert W. White, the first PGA of America President, and James Hepburn, the first chairman of the committee.

The tartan was the brainchild of Matt Clark, owner of Scottish custom golf bag business Bridge Golf Scotland and was commissioned by VisitScotland and Scottish Development International, the international arm of Scotland’s economic development agencies. It was created by renowned textile manufacturers, Lochcarron of Scotland with the colours carefully chosen to represent those of the PGA of America as well as Scotland’s Saltire flag and the iconic Stars and Stripes banner of the United States.

The tartan was officially gifted to Allen Wronowski, Honorary President of the PGA of America, by VisitScotland’s Director of Events, Paul Bush, and Graeme White, SDI’s Head of Tourism, at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando. Part of the gift included specially-designed golf club headcovers designed and made in Scotland by stand partner Bridge Golf Scotland, and ties and scarves created by Lochcarron of Scotland. The tartan cloth will now be made available to all PGA of America members as well as offering commercial opportunities for Scottish businesses and manufacturers.

As well as being the PGA of America’s centennial year, 2016 is also the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design in Scotland, resulting in a year-long celebration of Scotland’s achievements across these areas. Tartan has become an internationally-acclaimed fashion and style icon, and the development of the PGA of America Tartan further enhances this reputation.

Bush said: “We are honoured to be able to present the PGA of America with this specially designed tartan to commemorate its centennial year and to celebrate the proud association Scotland, the Home of Golf, has with this incredible organisation.

“As a nation, we are incredibly proud of the role we have played in the globalisation of golf, both as a game and a profession, and I am delighted that the relationships forged with the PGA of America back in 1916 continue to this day.

“Traditionally, every clan in Scotland had its own unique tartan and the new PGA of America Centennial Tartan ensures that the organisation will forever be part of Scotland’s golfing family.”

Graeme White, head of tourism at Scottish Enterprise said: "Scottish tartan is known the world over for its iconic fashion, quality and heritage. But it is also an important commercial product of Scotland. This new tartan, while welcoming the PGA of America into our global family, also offers Scottish businesses and manufacturers exciting national and international trade opportunities, which we look forward to supporting."

The inception of the PGA of America came at a time when golf was expanding rapidly in the US, not just as a past-time, but as a business; and the organisation was set up to nurture and capitalise on that growth. Now, 100 years on, the PGA of America is the world’s largest working sports organisation, comprising more than 28,000 men and women dedicated to promoting the game of golf.

Accepting the tartan on behalf of the PGA of America, Honorary President Wronowski said: “It is with a great deal of honor that the PGA of America accepts the beautiful Scottish tartan, symbolic of the bond that the PGA of America shares with the Home of Golf,” said Wronowski. “Scottish blood was a part of our Association’s founding a century ago and our shared passion and pride for growing the game has never been stronger.”

The tartan was gifted to the PGA of America at the Scotland, the Home of Golf stand (Booth #3473) at the annual PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando. The show represents the biggest gathering of golf industry professionals on the planet. Scotland’s presence at the show is supported by VisitScotland and Scottish Development International and includes businesses from across the golf tourism and manufacturing industries in Scotland.

Fife Golf Invitational 2016

The first Fife Golf Invitational aimed at raising funds for the regional golf group will take place over the Craighead Course at Crail Golf Club on Friday 18th of March.

SIGTOA will be entering a combined team and some of the members are likely to be in with their own entries. As ever when you put SIGTOA members on a golf course together the side bets will be significant. It was once rumoured that there was as much as a pound lost on each of the front nine, back nine and the game!

The event is open to all Fife businesses involved in the tourism industry and provides a fantastic opportunity to network and have a great day out with colleagues and guests. There will be a number of prizes available on the day and a fabulous golf auction at the close of play!

You can download the full entry information on the PDF here

SIGTOA Presence at PGA merchandise Show in Orlando

Scotland once again cemented its reputation as The Home of Golf, with a strong delegation in attendance at the world’s biggest golf industry gathering – the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando which included members of the Scottish Incoming Golf Tour Operators' Association.

The SIGTOA members were part of a group of 15 Scottish businesses at the show, which attracted more than 1,000 golf businesses from across the globe and in excess of 40,000 delegates comprising influential PGA Professionals, media and key industry decision makers.

Scotland’s presence was once again under the world-renowned Scotland, the Home of Golf banner with a strong regional spread of businesses from across the golf tourism, manufacturing and retail sectors.

Among the one million square feet of floor space and 10 miles of aisles, Scotland stood out from the crowd thanks to key activity throughout the week. Key highlights of Scotland’s presence include the appearance of The Claret Jug and the Championship Belt to commemorate The Open returning in 2016 to Royal Troon and Ayrshire, the region known as The Birthplace of The Open thanks to Prestwick GC’s hosting of the first 12 championships. The appearance of the Claret Jug on the Scotland stand follows the announcement that The Open was worth £140m to the Scottish economy, the biggest ever return for a golf event in the UK & Ireland.

Delegates will also have the opportunity to be among the first to “play” the newly redesigned Ailsa Course at the Trump Turnberry Resort, thanks to a state-of-the-art simulator featuring the 9th, 10th and 11th holes.

A newly created PGA of America Centennial Tartan will also be on display after it was gifted to the PGA of America to mark 100 years since the inception of the organisation and honour the role Scottish-born professional golfers played in its formation.

Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland, said: “We are delighted to once again have such a strong Scottish presence at the world’s biggest golf industry gathering. Scotland is known throughout the world as the Home of Golf and that message resonates with golfers wherever we travel.

“The 15 different stand partners reflect the diversity of golf in Scotland and the hugely important role the industry plays in the country where it all began. Coming together as one team at the PGA Show is a strong message that Scotland is committed to continuing to play on the world stage when it comes to golf tourism and retail. We know that people are always interested in hearing more about golf in Scotland and with our excellent array of stand partners and exciting activity such as the Trump Turnberry simulator and appearance of the Claret Jug, we can be confident of another successful show in Orlando.”

Scotland’s stand partners include:

Adventures in Golf: A Scottish golf tour operator since 1977, with offices in the UK and the US and a wide-range of experience creating customised itineraries for thousands of clients.

Bonnie Wee Golf: A Scottish tour operator specialising in exclusive golfing itineraries to every region of Scotland.

Bridge Golf Scotland: Specialising in custom-made golf bags, manufactured in Scotland with a customer base spanning five continents and 23 countries.

DP&L Golf: A Scottish golf tour service that can trace its roots back to 1826 and which specialises in the East and West Coast areas of Scotland.

Eden Mill Distillery: Scotland’s first single-site distillery, based on the outskirts of St Andrews. Launching a new line of Gin, including a Golf Gin, they are sure to be a popular stand partner.

Executive Golf & Leisure: A Scottish golf tour operator, established in 1987, specialising in luxury golf experiences across Scotland, Ireland, England, Wales and Europe.

Highland Golf Links: Formed in 2011, HGL is a partnership of three of Scotland’s most renowned links courses and three luxury hotels. Partners comprise Royal Dornoch, Castle Stuart and Nairn golf courses and Kingsmills Hotel, Culloden House Hotel and the Royal Golf Hotel.

The Leith Silver Company: Based in Scotland, the Leith Silver Company provides prestigious silverware for the golf market. Products are hand-crafted in Scotland and Scottish oak and the staves of whisky barrels feature heavily in the design and presentation of the silverware.

Links Golf St Andrews: For more than 30 years the company has been organising golf tours which include play on the finest courses in Scotland, England and Ireland, as well as packages to The Open and The Ryder Cup.

Macdonald Hotels & Resorts: With more than 40 hotels and 10 resorts, Macdonald Hotels and Resorts is the largest independent hotel group in the UK. Included in the portfolio are the world-famous Macdonald Rusacks at St Andrews and Macdonald Marine in North Berwick.
Machrihanish Dunes Golf Club: Opened in 2009, Machrihanish Dunes has been heralded as one of Scotland’s best links courses. The Village at Machrihanish Dunes also comprises The Ugadale Hotel and Cottages and The Royal Hotel in nearby Campbeltown.

Mairead Hume Harris Tweed Golf Collection: A luxury range of golf accessories handmade in Scotland from authentic Harris Tweed from the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. Currently working with Kingsbarns Golf Links, Castle Stuart, Trump Turnberry and St Andrews Links Golf Shops, the collection can also be seen on the bags of several ladies on the European Tour.

Meldrum House Country Hotel & Golf Course: Nestled in the heart of Aberdeenshire’s tranquil countryside, the charming 13th century baronial mansion house, 240 acre estate and golf course offers more than luxury. New for June 2016, 28 more contemporary bedrooms and a purpose-built banqueting suite.

Perry Golf: One of the leading providers of golf tours and cruises to the world’s most memorable destinations as well as packages to The Open and The Ryder Cup.

Recounter: Featured on the Golf Channel and described by Golf Monthly as the ultimate golf trip souvenir, Recounter are the go-to golf photographers for buddy-trips and PGA Professional escorted trips, which are captured for life in luxury hand-made in Scotland table-books.

Trump Turnberry: A luxury resort famous for its two championship courses and world-renowned hotel. An extensive 18-month refurbishment programme is now underway and the resort will re-launch on June 1st, 2016, when the redesigned Open Championship golf course, the Ailsa, will be available for play for the first time.