Ryder Cup player, Andrew Coltart, will defend his Great North Open title at De Vere Slaley Hall this week from a field which includes the two men whom he beat by just one stroke 12 months ago, England's Paul Casey and Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher.
Coltart claimed his second victory on The European Tour International Schedule with an 11 under par total of 277 and the first three in last season's finishing order are back at the Dave Thomas designed course in Northumberland searching for the glint of silverware.
Also competing in the North East of England's premier tournament are Andrew Oldcorn, the 2001 Volvo PGA Champion, and a host of champions from the past two seasons, including Ireland's Des Smyth, the oldest winner in European Tour history, and one of 2002's most popular champions, Malcolm Mackenzie, the Novotel Perrier Open de France winner.
A host of leading European Tour players are also taking part, including Ryder Cup players Gordon Brand Jnr, Eamonn Darcy, David Gilford and 1999 Ryder Cup Captain, Mark James.
Welshman David Park will be in the field hoping to be imbued with the same inspiration which earned him his European Tour card in 1999. One week before The Great North Open, the Challenge Tour player had lost a play-off to Miguel Angel Martin for the Moroccan Open but displayed great resilience at De Vere Slaley Hall seven days later by capturing the title and a two year exemption.
Apart from Casey, Coltart and Smyth, other 2001 winners lining up are Darren Fichardt, Gregory Havret and Mark McNulty while Spain's Diego Borrego - winner of the Madeira Island Open - joins Mackenzie as the 2002 winners on parade in Northumberland.
The course, with a subtle blend of pine trees, moorland and water, has become one of the North East of England's most impressive venues, nestling alongside the splendour of De Vere Slaley Hall.
