An array of golfing talent heads to the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond this week for the Barclays Scottish Open.With 22 of the top 50 players in the Official World Ranking taking part, it is arguably the greatest line up in this tournament's history.
Geoff Ogilvy, ranked 6th in the World, is playing in his first ever Scottish Open and is looking forward to the experience: "I have heard great things about this tournament and the pictures of the course look beautiful. Although this is a completely different course to what we will experience next week, with the lush fairways and softer greens, it is still a great test of golf."
Other players competing in their first ever Scottish Open include, Camillo Villegas, ranked 12th in the World; Nick Watney, ranked 33rd in the World and winner of the 2009 Buick Invitational; and Brian Gay, ranked 36th in the World and winner of the 2009 Verizon Heritage.
Graeme McDowell returns for the defence of his crown that he won so impressively last season. McDowell was in imperious form last July, and held off a final day charge from James Kingston to win by 2 shots. It was to be McDowell's greatest golfing moment: "There's no doubt about it, winning this tournament last year was huge for me and my career."
He added: "I can't wait to defend my title. It is one of my favourite weeks of the season. I know I don't have a divine right to turn up and win again, but I feel very close to getting back to top form and it would be great to repeat last year's result."
South African, Ernie Els, is back for another crack at the title which he won in 2000 and 2003. Els has had an indifferent season thus far and has dropped back to 19th in the World. The Big Easy, however, has a fantastic record at Loch Lomond with 2 victories, 2 top 5s and 2 top 10s in the past 9 years: "It's been a very tough year but there is something about this place which catches my eye. Without doubt, these two weeks are my favourite two tournaments on the golfing calendar and I am looking forward to the challenge."
Els will be paired with Scotland's very own Colin Montgomerie and in form Englishman, Nick Dougherty for the first two rounds.
Ian Poulter is another player with a good record at this tournament with 5 top 10s in the past 7 years. Poulter is in fantastic form of late with 3 top 10s in the past 2 months and a second place finish at the Players Chamionship. Poults also closed well for a third place at last week's Open de France ALSTOM. He will no doubt 'wow' the crowds with his colourful clothing range on the bonnie banks this week.
Similarly, fellow Englishman, Lee Westwood, who is paired with Poulter and Rory McIlroy for the first two rounds, has also hit some good form of late: "I played great last weekend and just came up short in the playoff to Martin Kaymer. It was a shame to finish like that on the 18th green, but I am holing putts and driving well, so I am excited for the forthcoming weeks."
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