County stars’ Bidwell bids

May 30 2008

A CLUTCH of Big County players are warming-up for the Bidwells Scottish Open Strokeplay Championship being played at re-shaped Dukes Course in St Andrews for the first time.

The event, now in its 42nd year, slips into gear today and the quality field equalled last years record low handicap ballot.

It has attracted entrants from Australia, USA and South Africa as well as a good showing from European nations and the new course layout at The Home of Golf will provide a further test for competitors keen to cast their eyes over the silverware.

It is again sponsored by Perth-based surveyors Bidwells, with a 144-strong field lining-up.

Alyth ace Kevin McAlpine is defending his 2007 title captured at Royal Dornoch, when he tees up alongside one of last years runners-ups, Frenchman Alexandre Kaleka.

The Scottish international and county star enjoyed warm weather training and competition Down Under before the Scottish season got going.

First of the nine-strong Perth and Kinross contingent going into action today will be Murrayshalls county player Steven Hume, teeing-off at 8.20am.

Others keen to make an impression are former Scots golfer of the year Glenn Campbell (Blairgowrie), international colleagues Wallace Booth (Crieff) whose sister Carly is in Curtis Cup action at the Old Course and current Scottish Order of Merit pacesetter Gavin Dear (Murrayshall), U18 cap Sam McLaren (King James VI), Mark Rose (Pitlochry), David Simpson (Crieff) and Malcolm Davidson (Craigie Hill).

SGU chief Hamish Grey said: The Bidwells Scottish Stroke Play Championship is one of the SGUs flagship events, always attracting high calibre players and it has produced a number of notable winners over the years.

We are extremely grateful to Bidwells for sponsoring the tournament again after supporting a very successful event last year at Royal Dornoch.

The Dukes, which is now home to our new headquarters, will provide a great venue and the new layout will ensure a very exciting national championship.

The Scottish Strokeplay format sees competitors hoping to survive the cut after the initial two rounds.

Only the top 40 players plus ties will contest the last 36 holes in Sundays final, in a 72-hole competition.

Spectators are encouraged to get along to the Dukes at St Andrews and support the potential stars of the future, with Colin Montgomerie, Andrew Coltart and Alastair Forsyth among the former champions. Entry is free of charge.