Home hopes shooting for glory as European Tour arrives

The cancellation of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, due to the massive logistical issues brought about by coronavrius, had threatened the leave the Home of Golf without a tour event to host this year.

But The Scottish Championship, presented by AXA, was added to what became a second European Tour UK Swing on the 2020 Race to Dubai, following the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Galgorm Castle Golf Club in Northern Ireland (September 24-27), the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open at the Renaissance Club (October 1-4) and the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth (October 8-11).

The Torrance Course at St Andrews has previously hosted events including the Scottish Youth National Championship, the Scottish Senior Open and is one of The Open Qualifying sites.

John Keating, area general manager Accor Luxury Brands Scotland and Ireland, said: “We would like to welcome back those who have played in St Andrews before, and extend a warm welcome to those whose first time it is playing on the Torrance Course.

“There is a great mix of experience and rising talent so it is shaping up to be a very competitive week ahead.

“We wish every player the best of luck.”

Connor (Drumoig) and Calum (Kinross) got underway on Thursday morning, and went into the event fresh having sat out last week’s BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, won by Tyrrell Hatton.

Fellow Scot Marc Warren said it was good to be back in St Andrews.

He said: “To have two tournaments in three weeks in Scotland is great, and I always enjoy going to St Andrews.

“I’ve stayed at Fairmont St Andrews a few times and played The Open Qualifying a couple of years ago on the Torrance Course.

“It’s a great layout, tough if the wind gets up. It will be a good test, especially at this time of year.

“Everyone behind the scenes is working so hard to get events on.

“We feel really safe playing and hopefully we can continue to produce some good golf up in St Andrews and give people at home some enjoyment as well.”

Lee Westwood, Padraig Harrington, Renato Paratore, Min Woo Lee, Eddie Pepperell and Matt Wallace and Sam Horsfield are amongst those also competing.