An Alyth golf club is gearing up to host another British Open Championship just as The Open comes to an end.
Australia’s Cameron Smith yesterday celebrated with the Claret Jug after winning The Open at the Old Course, St Andrews.
Now the focus will turn to Strathmore Golf Centre in the Perthshire town of Alyth, which is hosting the 10th ‘Sidey Limited’ British Open in September.
The tournament is organised by Scottish Disability Golf and Curling [SDGC], which is Scotland’s only charity supporting golfers of any age with a physical, intellectual or sensory disability.
54-hole tournament
Various formats have been played in the past 30 years but the current Open Golf Championship structure, first played in 2008 at the St Michaels Golf Club in Leuchars, is currently being adopted.
Participants in the 54-hole event play for the Sidey Ltd Trophy (Overall Nett), the Caledonian Cup (Stableford) and the Isle of Harris Golf Club Trophy (Scratch).
Jim Gales of Fife, who is a blind golfer and the current British Open Champion, said: “SDGC has always been an inclusive charity and only organises events that involve people of any age, disability or ability and fully utilises the golf handicap system.
“None of us are aiming to emulate the guys who have just finished at The Open in St Andrews, but just love getting out there and playing the game.”
The event takes place from Tuesday, September 13 to Thursday, September 15.
Strathmore Golf Centre still for sale
The Strathmore Golf Centre has been for sale for the past 12 months.
It has been run for the past 15 years by the Howell and Norman families who are planning to retire.
Despite being on the market, it was named Scotland’s best course in the under £60 category of the 2021 Scottish Golf Tourism Awards 2021.
Peter Howell, who is one of three directors with his son Simon, and brother-in-law David Norman, says all offers so far have failed to reach the £1.4m asking price.
He said: “The market for golf is better than ever and the course is improving all the time. Hopefully someone can come along and see its potential.
“We have had a couple of reduced offers and though we want to sell it we are in no hurry.”
Players to travel in from across the world
The British Open has previously attracted players from countries including South Africa, England, Pakistan, Wales, Israel, the US and Canada.
All applicants must be amateur golfers and full members of the SDGC. The entry fee is £100 deposit per person, which will be refunded if players compete in all three rounds and take up the post-golf meal on all three days.
For more information call 07903 596 552 or click here.
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