Lowdown: The Johnnie Walker Championships returns to the majestic surroundings of Gleneagles where Frenchman Grégory Havret will defend the title. A strong field is assembled to do battle over the course that will play host to the Ryder Cup in 2014. Set in the stunning Perthshire countryside, Gleneagles has been host to this event since 1999 and the PGA Centenary Course is regarded highly amongst the European Tour professionals. The course opened for play in 1993. A Jack Nicklaus design, it was originally known as the Monarchs Course, though significant alterations have been made to the layout by David McKlay Kidd. Further changes have been made this year as part of the ongoing development of the layout ahead of the 2014 Ryder Cup. The 12th hole in particular has been changed. “The hole’s defence is the green, there’s a small tree to the left, bunkers on both sides and the pronounced ridge through the middle,” said David Williams, European Tour tournament director. “It is now ultimately a tougher challenge, placing a premium on accuracy.” Colin Montgomerie, the 2010 Ryder Cup captain, is Championship chairman this week and is looking forward to competing on home soil. “The Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles is one of my favourite events in the year, not least because it allows me to play here near my new home in Perthshire.” Said the 46 year old. In 2008 Havret won the tournament in dramatic style. The Frenchman shanked his third shot to the par-5 closing hole but then got up-and-down from the greenside bunker to win the title by a single shot from Graeme Storm. The enthusiastic crowds who always flock to Gleneagles will be hoping for similar excitement this time round.
Venue: The Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire, Scotland Date: August 27-30 Course stats: par 72, 7,316 yards Purse: €1,605,000 Winner: €269,895 Defending Champion: Grégory Havret (-14)
TV Coverage: Thursday 27 – Live on Sky Sports 1 from 10am Friday 28 - Live on Sky Sports 1 from 10am Saturday 29 - Live on Sky Sports 2 from 1pm Sunday 30 - Live on Sky Sports 3 from 12pm
Player Watch: Niclas Fasth – A gritty competitor, Fasth is showing signs of returning to the form that has won him six events on the European Tour. A good performance in Holland last week suggests he’s ready to re-enter the winner’s enclosure. Marc Warren – The 2007 champion will look to raise his game for this event. He’s had a disappointing season so far but has the ability to produce inspired golf when competing on home soil. He’ll look to do just that this week. Peter Lawrie – The Irishman will be hoping to continue the solid form he displayed last week at the KLM Open where he finished in a tie for second.
Key Hole: 18th. A par 5 of 533 yards, it gives players a real chance of finishing with a birdie, or maybe even better. There could be big swings right at the death.
Skills Required: Breaking free of the pack. Scoring at the Centenary Course tends to be good and the field seems to bunch. Someone will probably win it by a nose as Havret did in 2008.
Where next?
European Tour: Simon Dyson wins KLM Open Equipment: PING G15 driver review Competitions: Fantastic new golf prizes to be won Industry news: New Stuburt Comfort Pro golf shoes launched
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