Colin Montgomerie will make his first appearance in The Diageo Championship at Gleneagles this week and spearhead a strong home challenge for the £1.2 million tournament over the PGA Centenary Course.
Last year, Edinburgh’s Raymond Russell almost became the first Scot to win the prestigious title when he finished second and the 30 year old will line up alongside Montgomerie and a host of his fellow countrymen, looking to deliver a home win which would delight the huge galleries expected at the home of The 2014 Ryder Cup Matches.
Montgomerie said; “I am thrilled that the new June date for the Championship has allowed me to fit it into my schedule and support this European Tour tournament in Scotland. It's always a privilege to play in your home country and I'm looking forward to it immensely.”
Joining forces with Montgomerie will be the man who christened him his “rock” during The Ryder Cup Matches at The De Vere Belfry last September, victorious European Captain Sam Torrance.
The 49 year old Scot said: “I love competing at Gleneagles and was particularly pleased with my performance last year when I finished third. It's great having the opportunity to play again at such an outstanding venue in front of the home crowd and so many close friends and family.”
Another man who knows the benefits that playing at home can bring about is Paul Lawrie, who won the 1999 Open Golf Championship at Carnoustie and who has always played well in The Diageo Championship, finishing in the top 20 in his last two appearances in 2000 and 2001.
Lawrie said; "I am looking forward to returning to Gleneagles and competing in The Diageo Championship. It's a great golf course and one I find most challenging and enjoyable to play."
Championship Director Graeme Marchbank, said; "It's fantastic that Sam, Colin and Paul, three of the best golfers to come out of Scotland in the modern era, are to compete in this year's Diageo Championship at Gleneagles.
“Their commitment to play is a further indication of the growing stature of The Diageo Championship on The European Tour International Schedule. I am sure Paul in particular has fond memories of the tournament, having holed his opening shot in 2000 at the tenth.
“We are looking forward to welcoming all of them back to Gleneagles later this month when, I am confident, they will be warmly received by the knowledgeable Scottish golf spectators."
As well as a strong home challenge, the growth of The Diageo Championship at Gleneagles has ensured a cosmopolitan field will assemble in the heart of Scotland, emphasising the continual globalisation of the game.
Leading the way will be Australian Adam Scott, who guaranteed his place in Scottish golfing folklore last year with an astonishing performance which saw him sweep to the title by ten shots with a superb 26 under par total of 262.
Although Scott will start amongst the favourites, he will face a strong challenge from a number of players bang in form including Spain’s Ignacio Garrido, who produced the performance of his career last month when he won the Volvo PGA Championship at Wentworth Club.
While the gathering of golf’s stars is sure to draw the crowds, another pleasing aspect of The Diageo Championship is its reputation for being a place where fledgling professionals take their first steps into The European Tour arena, and this year is no different.
Following in the footsteps of Nick Dougherty, who made his first appearance in 2001, and Scots Steven O’Hara and Marc Warren, who took their professional bows last year, is England’s Zane Scotland.
The 20 year old, who won the Portugese and Spanish Amateur titles last year, has accepted an invitation to play and will hope to improve on the form which saw him finish tied 39th, as an amateur, in the 2002 Algarve Open de Portugal.
“Inviting Zane to play is a further reflection of the commitment of The Diageo Championship at Gleneagles to embrace young, new talent and the future of The European Tour,” said Graeme Marchbank. “We wish him well on his chosen career path and look forward to welcoming him to Gleneagles."
