THE Barclays Scottish Open is set to welcome the strongest field to Loch Lomond next month since the championship was first held at Downfield in 1972.
Australia's Geoff Ogilvy will lead a contingent of 27 of the world's top 60 golfers as well as 11 major winners to the course from 9-12 July.
With US PGA Tour regulars such as Colombia's Camilo Villegas, Australia's Adam Scott and England's Ian
Poulter also confirming their intention to compete at the £3 million event, tournament director Peter Adams enthused: "It's the best ever field for the Scottish Open."
Sir Nick Faldo, who now pursues a broadcasting career in America, joins John Daly, Ogilvy, Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, Trevor Immelman, Jose Maria Olazabal, Michael Campbell, Angel Cabrera, Paul Lawrie and Sandy Lyle in a team of champions. Greg Norman also thought seriously about making a rare appearance on the European Tour before deciding to conserve his energy for the Open at Turnberry.
Villegas, 27, is looking forward to bringing his brand of swashbuckling golf to Loch Lomond. "I know the tournament always has an outstanding field and I've heard great things about the course at Loch Lomond and the galleries. It will be a good test and a great experience," he said. Never shy with a colourful eye for a clothing ensemble, Poulter plans to launch four new tartans this summer. "They are all authentic, approved by the Scottish Tartans Authority, and it will be great to wear them at Loch Lomond," he said. "Hopefully, I'll get a good reaction from the crowd."
Among the Scottish contingent, Callum Macaulay has accepted an invitation to make his professional debut in the event. "My experience of the tournament in 2008 as an amateur was unbelievable," he recalled. "It was one of the most special weeks of my life."
Although seven of the ten available invitations have already been accepted, it's thought likely that Glasgow's Martin Laird will gain one of the remaining spots when the tournament committee meets after entries close at the end of the week. It's also expected a spot will be offered to the winner of the US Open, Lucas Glover.
Laird, who narrowly missed the cut at the US Open, said: "I'm really looking forward to competing in Scotland as a professional for the first time. I'm already playing in the Open at the Ailsa and I'm waiting to hear if I'll get one of the exemptions for the Scottish Open. It would mean a lot to me to play in my national championship.
"I've heard from my manager there will be a meeting later this month to decide those Scottish Open invitations. That would be a dream two weeks for me."
The defending champion, Graeme McDowell, who performed stoically in the US Open at Bethpage, will also return to Loch Lomond in search of another title.
"I can't wait to get back to Loch Lomond again," he said. "Winning the Scottish Open was a fantastic moment in my life that elevated my career to a whole new level. It was also a proud moment for me as I had my parents there to witness it, a win I will treasure for a very, very long time."
Thomas Bjorn, who was part of Sky's commentary team at Bethpage, hasn't lost focus on his playing ambitions and is another past champion who hopes to be spurred on by memories of success at Loch Lomond.
"The Scottish Open will always be a very special event for me as it was at Loch Lomond where I won my first European Tour title," he recalled. "It was only my rookie year after qualifying through the Challenge Tour. I enjoy the beautiful surroundings that Loch Lomond offers and all the memories that it holds."
At least one of this season's major winners will be present and correct at Loch Lomond after Cabrera, the Masters champion, confirmed his attendance. The South American has been a regular visitor to Loch Lomond since making his debut in Scotland's national championship in 1997. His best effort at Loch Lomond was fifth in 2005.
The winner of two of the last nine majors – he was US Open champion at Oakmont in 2007 – Cabrera has included the Scottish Open on his schedule for most of his career. "The Scottish Open is always on my schedule and I'm playing in July. I've been contesting the tournament for many years and just love the course."
Although Phil Mickelson, whose wife Amy is due to undergo surgery for breast cancer at the start of July, won't make an appearance this year, another of America's most high-profile golfers, John Daly, is among the crowd-pullers who have pledged to attend. "I am really looking forward to returning to Scotland to the Scottish Open," said the two-time major winner.
"It's always such a pleasure to play in front of the Scottish crowds and I know I will have a great week. It's a great golf course in an awesome setting."
The 43-year-old, who was third at Loch Lomond in 2001, added: "I always love coming over to Europe. The fans are great and I keep them on their toes."
