Scottish Open Looks to Leave Loch Lomond for the Links

According to widespread reports in the U.K. press, Barclays, the sponsor of the Scottish Open, has requested the tournament be moved from Loch Lomond Golf Club to a true links golf course. No word right now on what that venue might be.

European PGA Tour Director Keith Waters told BBC Scotland: "Loch Lomond has been an excellent venue, but times change. Barclays would like us to play the event on a links course in the hope of attracting all the world's top players."

Loch Lomond is a highly-regarded Tom Weiskopf-Jay Morrish design located 20 miles northwest of Glasgow.

In the Scottish newspaper, "Evening Times," EPGA player Alistair Forsyth wondered if the move would, in fact, bring in more American players.

“There are upsides and downsides and I’m sure a few players from across the pond would turn up rather than stay at home," he said. "But I remember when the Scottish Open was held at Carnoustie and the weather was horrendous. Nick Price said his swing and timing had been blown to bits, ruining his Open chances. To be honest, I don’t know how you could attract a better field. It is one of the best tournaments on the calendar.”

Since the Scottish Open is played the week before the Open Championship, the event would have to be held at a site that is not part of the Open rota, meaning the Old Course, Carnoustie, Muirfield and Turnberry can't be contenders. Kingsbarnes Golf Links is part of the three-course venue of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship but would seem to be an ideal venue.