There will be no shortage of Tayside contenders when Scotland’s leading amateur golfers descend on Blairgowrie for the three-day Carrick Neill Scottish strokeplay championship, which starts on Friday.
Walker Cup selectors will have a keen eye on the competition, which will feature home course duo, Glenn Campbell and Bradley Neil.
Campbell is a Scottish international and former winner, while 15-year-old rising star Neil is the current club champion and holder of both the Scottish and English under-14 titles. A first-time victory for him would make him the event’s youngest ever winner.
Downfield’s Ross Bell is also one to watch on the Lansdowne course. Playing off a handicap of +2.6, the Angus County cap won the Scottish Champion of Champions event last year.
Bell said, “Lansdowne is a great course and one I always enjoy playing. Whilst I’m up against a top quality field, hopefully I can put up a challenge and be in with a chance of winning come Sunday.”
The contenders all have handicaps better than +1.3 and are competing for a trophy won by Colin Montgomerie and Richie Ramsay before they stepped up into the professional ranks.
The strength of the field has been boosted with the Walker Cup clash between GB&I and the USA being staged at Royal Aberdeen this year.
Ian Hutcheon won the title when the event was staged at Blairgowrie in 1974 and 1979, and in 1989 Frenchman F. Illouz triumphed.
Blairgowrie Golf Club are honoured to host the event, according to managing secretary Douglas Cleeton.
He said, “Many members have volunteered their time or services to assist with this event, which speaks volumes for the enthusiasm shown at the club.
“Naturally, with the event being played over Lansdowne there will be disruption for members, as generally only Rosemount and the Wee Course will be available for play over this weekend.
“With the club championships first round qualifying on Saturday, as well as the strokeplay qualifying second round, we are guaranteed an extremely busy day.
“For this and other days we have ensured an overflow car park is available nearby.
The quality of the courses and facilities at the club are a major factor in this event being held here-and for other major events being held this year and in the future.”
Blairgowrie is also hosting a PGA sprint series event on June 27 over Lansdowne.
Other events confirmed include the Scottish area team championships and Scottish ladies junior open strokeplay in 2012, and the Scottish amateur championship in 2013.