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Focus turns to Scotland and Loch Lomond
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Focus turns to Scotland and Loch Lomond

The eyes of the golfing world will switch focus from England to Scotland this week as Loch Lomond Golf Club plays host to The Barclays Scottish Open.

After the thrills of last week’s European Open at The London Golf Club and before the certain drama of next week’s Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, the majesty of Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish’s lochside gem provides the backdrop for one of the most eagerly awaited weeks on The European Tour International Schedule each season.

As befits a tournament of this stature, a truly exceptional international field has assembled in the west of Scotland, led by three of the top six players from the current Official World Golf Ranking; Number Two Phil Mickelson, Number Three Adam Scott and Number Six Ernie Els.

Mickelson and Els, winner in 2000 and 2003, both return after finishing second and third respectively behind Grégory Havret at last year's tournament, and they will be joined by Scott, who last played at Loch Lomond in 2005 when he finished tied 12th behind the winner, South Africa's Tim Clark.

Twelve months ago, Mickelson dropped a shot at the 72nd hole to fall into a tie with the Frenchman before succumbing to Havret on the first play-off hole. But that has done nothing to dampen the American left-hander’s enthusiasm for the Championship. He said: "Whilst Barclays and Lyle Anderson are involved in the Scottish Open, I intend to make it part of my annual playing schedule."

Els will return to Scotland looking for a third title and will do so in the company of an old friend having been reunited with long-time caddie Ricci Roberts after a hiatus of 18 months while Scott, who closed with a breathtaking eleven under par 61 to win this year's Commercialbank Qatar Masters presented by Dolphin Energy, spoke for many of his peers when he said: "I am really looking forward to returning to Loch Lomond to participate in The Barclays Scottish Open. It's a great tournament, set on a fantastic golf course and a week that the players always enjoy."

Havret will defend his title and will be assured of a warm welcome by the home crowds who enjoyed his swashbuckling golf last year as well as his comments at the prizegiving when he announced: “This is a dream come true. The French Open is obviously very important for me but, after that, to win in Scotland is just something else.”

Also in the field are 2007 US Open Champion Angel Cabrera, 2007 WGC - Accenture Match Play winner Henrik Stenson and 2005 US Open Champion Michael Campbell, while a strong British and Irish contingent is headed by two former winners – Scotland’s Colin Montgomerie and Lee Westwood of England – alongside Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke, who signalled a welcome return to form when he secured an emotional victory at the recent BMW Asian Open in China.

"Barclays has turned The Scottish Open into a world-class event and it is one event I really look forward to every year," said Clarke. "As the last event before The Open, the tournament attracts one of the strongest fields on The European Tour calendar and boasts a fantastic atmosphere."

Montgomerie, who triumphed in 1999, said: "I'm really looking forward to this year's Barclays Scottish Open, the crowds are fantastic and the golf course is always in great shape. Not only does the tournament hold special memories for me having held the trophy high nine years ago, but Loch Lomond was the setting for my wedding to Gaynor earlier this year so I'm very much looking forward to returning."

This is the thirteenth year in a row The Barclays Scottish Open has been staged at Loch Lomond, the previous winners being Thomas Björn (1996), Tom Lehman (1997), Westwood (1998), Montgomerie (1999), Els (2000 and 2003), Retief Goosen (2001), Eduardo Romero (2002), Thomas Levet (2004), Clark (2005), Johan Edfors (2006) and Havret (2007).

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