Scottish Open set to return to Castle Stuart in 2016

Castle Stuart is set to host the Scottish Open again in 2016, it's been revealed.

Following another successful staging of the event, sponsors Aberdeen Asset Management and the Scottish Government have pledged to continue their support for the tournament until 2017.

Scotland's First Minister, Alex Salmond, said: "I'm particularly pleased the competition will return to this course. It's a great vote of confidence in golf and the people of the Highlands in their ability to stage major international events.

"This fantastic event has become a popular fixture on the European Tour and provides ideal preparation for some of the world's best players before the following week's Open Championship."

Royal Aberdeen will be the venue for the 2014 event, with courses across Scotland being considered for the 2015 and 2017 stagings.

The event will continue to be held the week before the Open Championship and be played on links courses.

Peter Adams, the European Tour's championship director, explained that work would now begin on identifying the two other venues. "We have time on our side to look at prospective courses, and it's advantageous that we can also talk to the players, with a view to establishing a rota of high-class courses."

Prize money is also set to increase from the current £3million pot. In 2015 and 2016, the fund will be boosted by a further £250,000, with £3.5million expected in 2017.