News

A Truly International Golf Tournament

14 April 2008

As part of the 2008 Tartan Day Scotland celebrations, 60 golfers from all over the world have been competing in an international golf tournament across four of Scotland's top courses.

The prestigious Tartan Day Scotland International Golf Challenge was played on courses at Montrose, Carnoustie, Gleneagles and St Andrews, with competitors travelling from the USA, Canada, China and South Africa, as well as across       the United Kingdom.

"This event has been a fantastic success," said Provost Ruth Leslie Melville at the tournament's prizegiving ceremony on Friday. "The 60  competitors who have obviously enjoyed a week of super golf will be returning home with wonderful memories of their Carnoustie Country experiences and many have plans to return with their families."

The tournament prizes were awarded at a gala dinner at Carnoustie Golf Hotel, which provided a fitting finale to the golfers' week of golf and entertainment, including a grand banquet at Glamis Castle and a highly enjoyable Scottish night, complete with local fayre, music, dancing and song,

"Taking part in this tournament far surpassed my party's high expectations," said Irish born Ed Donovan from the USA, who was with fellow golfers from Atlanta, Georgia. "We're already planning our trip to the 2009 Tartan Day Scotland International Golf Challenge, when we're hoping to bring even more golfers from Atlanta with us."

Playing on world-famous courses such as Carnoustie Championship, venue of the 2007 Open, the Montrose Medal – an Open Qualifier, St Andrews Old Course and the King's Course at Gleneagles, the golfers certainly experienced the very best of Scottish golf – and the very best of Scottish hospitality.

Alan Feeley, who had travelled from Canada to compete in the tournament, revealed that, after dinner at GlamisCastle, the golfers were entranced to hear the sounds of the Blair Athol Pipe beating the retreat down the castle drive. "From out of the darkness, a pipe band appeared," he recalled. "I will never forget that moment."

Denise Walker from South Africa really enjoyed competing in the tournament but revealed that she had an ulterior motive for taking part. "We're going to be holding our own Tartan Day Golf Challenge at one of South Africa's top courses next year," said Denise, who revealed that she's going to research her family tree when she returns home to South Africa to find out if she has any ancestral links to Scotland. "The winners of our tournament will come to Scotland to play in the 2009 Tartan Day Scotland International Golf Challenge – and I'll definitely be coming too!"

Over half of the competitors were from China. "We want Angus to be the first choice destination for Chinese travellers," explained Cllr David May, Convenor of Angus Council's Infrastructure Services. "Judging by the comments made by the Chinese competitors in the tournament, they will all be returning home with glowing reports of the Carnoustie Country courses, the wonderful scenery and, of course, the Angus people."

Phoenix TV filmed the week's events and Managing Director Dr Wen-Guang Shao explained that the resulting documentary would be seen in over 225 million homes in China and the rest of the world. "This will be a fantastic shop window for the area and should encourage people in China to visit Angus, whether for a golfing holiday or a family holiday," said Councillor May.

Chinese competitor Jack Huang, General Manager of Shanghai Silport that has a Sister Links Agreement with Carnoustie Championship, was certainly impressed by Carnoustie Country. "It was wonderful to play in the home of golf," said Jack. "This is the second time I've played in the Tartan Day Scotland International Golf Challenge and I'm already looking forward to next year. And, although I really enjoy the golf, for me, the most important part of the tournament is meeting new people and seeing old friends. "

In recognition of the warm welcome they received during their visit to Carnoustie Country, the competitors all wore tartan on the last night of their stay, with almost all of the men wearing kilts.

"The competitors embraced the concept of Tartan Day and it was wonderful to see so many of them wearing kilts," said Councillor May

The 2008 Tartan Day Scotland International Golf Challenge was won by Mr Zijiang Yang, who returned home to China with the coveted golden putter.

"Following the closest competition we've ever had, Zijiang clinched the tournament thanks to a phenomenal score at St Andrews, however congratulations must also go to the other golfers from each participating country who took the individual awards" explained Councillor Bob Myles, Leader of Angus Council, who presented the prizes.

"This tournament has been such a success, it looks as though the 2009 tournament will have even more competitors," said Councillor Myles. "All over the world, the golfers who competed in the 2008 Tartan Day Scotland International Golf Challenge will be enthusing about the wonders of the courses they played on, the places they went and the people they met, which can only be good news for Carnoustie Country, Angus and Scotland."

Carnoustie Country China Connection

27 March 2008

Already well known as a top golfing destination in Europe and America, Carnoustie Country is now set to become a leading golfing brand in Asia.

Thanks to the efforts of Angus Council and the twinning links between Carnoustie Golf Links and Tiger Beach in Shandong Province, China, and its sister course Shanghai Silport, the Asian golf markets now recognise Carnoustie Country as the next top golfing brand after St Andrews.

This was made clear during a recent trade mission by Angus Council to China where the links between Tiger Beach and Shanghai Silport were renewed.

Councillor David May, convener of Infrastructure Services and a member of the council's delegation said: "Developing awareness of Carnoustie Country as the first choice destination for Chinese golf travellers has been a long term strategy which is now about to bring great dividends to the Angus and Dundee area.

"Tiger Beach in Yantai Shandong Province is China's number one Scottish style course. Shanghai Silport is the spiritual home of the China Open and both courses are given editorial feature coverage in every major golf magazine in China and Asia.

"Because of the link with Carnoustie this means that Carnoustie Golf Links and Carnoustie Country are also featured at least twice per year in every major golf publication.

"This has built brand awareness of Carnoustie and it was clear from the discussions held with a number of golf tour operators in China during our visit that the market is now ready to bring even more golfers from China to experience the quality golf that Carnoustie Country can provide.

"Plans are already underway for 30 golfers from Shanghai Silport to participate in this year's Tartan Day International Golf Challenge along with others from the US and South Africa."

Angus Council's Tartan Day Golf Challenge which will see 30 Chinese golfers as well as visitors from the US and South Africa arrive in the county for a seven day golf tour from 5 to 12 April.

Carnoustie Country To Host 2012 World Left Handed Golf Championships

18 March 2008

The 20th World Left Handed Golf Championships will take place in Carnoustie Country in 2012.

The sustained efforts of the Carnoustie Country golf marketing campaign, which is funded by Angus Council, secured this prestigious and popular event for the area.

The international tournament is set to bring significant economic benefit to the Angus and Dundee region in 2012 with around 400 left handed golfers from across the globe and their 200 strong entourage annually participating in the event.

News of the tournament further secures Carnoustie Country's place on the international golfing map and comes hot on the heels of the announcement that Ireland's Monks Golf Society is bringing 100 golfers to Carnoustie Country later this year.

Along with the Angus & Dundee Area Tourism Partnership the campaign is working to attract national and international golf championships to the area.

Stuart French, Angus Council's Carnoustie Country Golf consultant and golf ambassador for the Angus & Dundee Area Tourism Partnership, spearheaded the campaign to bring the tournament to the area.

"Bringing this high profile global event to the area gives our reputation as a prime golf destination yet another boost," commented Stuart.

"An event of this scale exposes another sector of the hugely competitive golf market to our magnificent north east courses and it will generate significant economic returns for the area. Getting the event is fantastic and now we start work on making the most of the opportunity. There is for example vast potential to capitalise on pre and post event extended stays by attending international participants and visitors."

Stuart is in no doubt that the promotion of the area's enviable package of top quality golf courses and exceptional tourism experiences and attractions is critical to increasing visitor figures.

"Ensuring that the Dundee and Angus area has a strong presence at international trade shows has been crucial in raising awareness of the destination," he said.

"I have just returned from representing Carnoustie Country at the Toronto Golf and Travel Show and a visit to Ireland last month brought a firm booking for 100 members of the Monks Golf Society for a four day visit in June. The European Golf Travel Media Association's annual event is being held in Carnoustie Country this year and that too will give us even more exposure.

"This sustained programme of marketing and promotion, which we planned for 2007 and 2008 to capitalise on The Open, is now beginning to generate increased volumes of group visitors from across the globe. The continued development of this level of international tourism is a key objective for the Carnoustie Country campaign and the Angus & Dundee Area Tourism Partnership throughout 2008."

Angus Council's spokesperson for economic development David May said securing the tournament was tremendous news for the area. "Golf tourism is of huge importance to the region and has the potential to bring major economic benefits so I'm delighted that our marketing efforts are beginning to pay off," said Councillor May.

"We need to capitalise on the unique visitor experience which the Angus and Dundee area offers golfers, and increase tourism numbers by raising the profile of the area on a global scale. Golf championships don't get much bigger than The Open and in 2007 we showed once again that this area is more than capable of hosting such world class events, a view obviously shared by the R&A who named Carnoustie as the venue for the 2010 Seniors Open. Securing other large scale events is therefore one of the area's key objectives."

These views are echoed by the chair of the Angus and Dundee Tourism Partnership David Adams. "The World Left Handed Golf Championship has been held in Australia, USA, New Zealand and Canada and now Carnoustie Country is taking its place on the circuit," said Mr Adams.

"Bringing such high profile events to the area is part of our strategy to achieve significant growth in the Dundee and Angus golf tourism market in 2008. One of the key objectives of the strategy is to attract this calibre of international golfing event and associated global visitors to the area.

"News of this tournament gets us off to flying start and given the profile we're achieving for the area the partnership is confident it will be just the first of many."

Teeing up for Toronto Golf Show

11 February 2008

Calling all golfers in Ontario! Carnoustie Country will be well represented at the forthcoming Toronto Golf & Travel Show, held at the Metro Centre from the 29th February until March 2nd. A number of local businesses and organisations have teamed up with Zoom Airlines to promote golf and ancestral packages to the area. Golf East Lothian, Carnoustie Country, The East of Scotland Golf Alliance, Tay Roots and Dundee Hilton will be spreading the word and encouraging further links with the 'Old Country'. Check out the web site for details on how to get tickets for the show and the following links to find out more about the various partners involved.

www.torontogolfshow.com

www.golfeastlothian.com

www.hiltondundee.co.uk

www.flyzoom.com

www.tayroots.com

Carnoustie Country travels to Ireland

17 January 2008

A DELEGATION from Carnoustie Country will be travelling to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland next week to promote the glories of the historic heartland of golf.

Nestling between the majestic Cairngorm mountains and the east of Scotland's stunning coastline, Carnoustie Country's golf courses are just as impressive as the scenery! Within a forty minute drive, there are five Open qualifying courses, two Open Championship courses, including the Carnoustie Championship Course, where Padraig Harrington won the 2007 Open – and over 25 equally-excellent courses. It's no wonder Carnoustie Country is considered one of the top golfing destinations in the world!

Playing golf in Carnoustie Country certainly puts a spring in a golfer's swing - and now it's even easier and even more affordable for Irish golfers to play golf in the historic heartland of the great game, thanks to Carnoustie Country packages…

Carnoustie Country Celtic Links Dream Ticket

The Carnoustie Country Celtic Links Golf Pass

Carnoustie Country Classic Tournament

Carnoustie Country Angus Glens Pairs

If you are a golfer living in either Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland why not find out just how memorable playing golf in Carnoustie Country can be by having a chat, a wee dram and some tasty haggis with the Carnoustie Country delegates at one of the free prestigious cocktail receptions being held in Ireland next week?

Presentations are being in the Belfast Hilton on January 23, Conrad Hotel, Dublin on January 24 and Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort in County Limerick on January 25. Places are limited and strictly by ticket only. To request free tickets, or for more information about Carnoustie Country, contact Louise Connor on + 44 (0) 7757106332 or by email: connorl@angus.gov.uk

2007 Angus Ambassador Award Winner Revealed

26 November 2007

Carnoustie Golf Links Management Committee is the 2007 Angus Ambassador of the Year.

The judges awarded Carnoustie Golf Links Management Committee the Ambassador of the Year title for their inspired and dedicated stewardship of the Championship Links, which has secured its place as one of the world's greatest golf courses and cemented Angus' reputation as a premier golfing destination.

This was epitomised in July when The Open returned to Carnoustie bringing 154,000 visitors and global media coverage to the county. Top players and commentators lined up to sing the course's praise and its outstanding condition has led to it securing the Seniors Open Championship in 2010 for the first time.

Committee chairman Gordon Murray received the award from sponsors Blackadders Solicitors, at a gala awards dinner on Friday 23 November at the Carnoustie Golf Course Hotel.

The awards, which are presented by Angus Ahead the county's marketing campaign, were hosted by Andrea Brymer of STV's North Tonight.

Over 220 stars of the county's business, arts, and tourism sectors along with community representatives and aspiring youth talent attended the event to celebrate the achievements of those acting as outstanding ambassadors for the county.

"These awards are like no other in Angus; Tayside or indeed Scotland as they recognise that it is the blend of business, community, cultural and youth achievement that collectively shapes our county's success and will build a more prosperous future," said Provost Ruth Leslie Melville, chair of the Angus Ahead Champions.

Carnoustie Country Launches New Tournament

29 November 2007

Play some of the most scenic golf courses in Scotland…

Be the first to play Carnoustie Country's new inland mixed pairs classic tournament - the Carnoustie Country Angus Glens Pairs, which will take place between the 14-18 September 2008. Rolling wooded countryside and magnificent glens and mountains provide the perfect backdrop for this exciting new tournament, which will allow you to play four of Carnoustie Country's very best hidden gems:

Brechin – this James Braid designed course, looking north to the foothills of the Grampians, has some of the best putting surfaces in the east of Scotland.

Edzell – although renowned for the quality of the fairways and the greens, it is the serenity and views that make this course a memorable experience.

Forfar – a fantastic wooded heathland course laid out by four time Open Champion Old Tom Morris of St Andrews in 1871.

Kirriemuir –avenues of woods, gorse and broom surround a lush and undulating course, but it is the views to Lochnagar in the distance that truly inspire.

The Courses: One round over each of Brechin, Edzell, Forfar and Kirriemuir.

Format: 72-hole Stableford competition for the Angus Glens Pairs Trophy, open to men and women. Daily prizes. Handicaps are men: 24: women: 36, handicap allowance 3/4.

One gents pair and one ladies pair will gain automatic entry into the International Pairs UK finals in October 2009 (date and venue to be announced). Includes accommodation, dinner and golf.

What's Included:

• 5 nights accommodation, on a B&B basis, based on two sharing
• Opening ceremony and welcome pack
• Daily prizes across all handicap sections, and overall prizes
• Optional evening tours to local tourist attractions, and a whisky tasting
• Daily trips/activities arranged for non-golfing partners if requested
• Gala Dinner including prize giving

Package Price: The inclusive price for the 5 night package in 2008 is £330 per person (supplements may apply), and the rate for the golf and social activities only is £175.

How to Book: To register your interest in participating in the tournament, please contact: Edzell Golf Club by telephone: 01356 648462 or by email: secretary@edzellgolfclub.net

Seniors Boost For Carnoustie

15 October 2007

The Senior Open Championship is to be played at Carnoustie in 2010, scene of this year's Open Championship victory by Padraig Harrington.

This is the first time, since its inception in 1987, that the Senior Open, will be held at the famous Angus links course.

Carnoustie first hosted The Open in 1931 and champions crowned there include Tommy Armour, Henry Cotton, Ben Hogan, Gary Player and Tom Watson before Paul Lawrie and Padraig Harrington won the title after play-offs in 1999 and 2007.

David Hill, Director of Championships for The R&A, said: "For many years we have enjoyed a very strong relationship with Carnoustie, this year's Open Championship venue. We are thrilled that we will be taking the Senior Open Championship to this excellent venue 2010."

Gordon Murray, Carnoustie Golf Links Chairman, said: "We will be aiming to produce the Championship course in the same outstanding condition as it was for this year's Open, and everyone at Carnoustie is looking forward to an event that has so many great champions taking part."

The announcement was also been welcomed by Angus Council.

Infrastructure Services convener David May said he was delighted the seniors' event was coming to Angus for the first time.

"The hugely successful Open Championship in July demonstrated once again that in Angus we have the course and the capacity to stage these global golfing events.

"Having another major championship at Carnoustie keeps it at the forefront of international golf and cements Angus' reputation as a world class golfing venue," added Councillor May.

Depute Provost of Angus and Carnoustie resident Peter Murphy echoed this view saying: "The seniors' championship is growing in popularity and the recent addition of golfing legends such as Faldo and Langer to its ranks has added to its attraction.

"Players and visitors were united in their praise of Carnoustie this summer so we look forward to extending to them the same warm welcome in 2010."

Recognition for Carnoustie Country golf courses

Tuesday 25 September 2007

Carnoustie has shone in a recent competition to unearth some of Scotland's best hidden golfing gems.

Bunkered, the UK golfing magazine, launched the competition early this year in conjunction with VisitScotland, to unearth Scotland's best hidden gems and Carnoustie Country has proven its popularity with the golfing fraternity with three courses reaching the final 18.

Readers of the magazine were invited to nominate their favourite courses from a selection in the South East, the Highlands, the South West, the North East, the Central Belt and the Heartlands to identify Scotland's 'Secret 18' and be in with a chance of playing at them all.

The purpose of the competition was to bring some much deserved attention to some of the lesser known – but no less magnificent – Scottish golf courses. It followed a previous competition run by Bunkered magazine in 2004 to reveal readers' 'Top 20' Scottish golf courses.

Carnoustie Country's strong reputation for golf was reflected in the unveiling of three courses nominated in the top 18. Downfield, Scotscraig and Letham Grange, Old Course were all in the top 18; Downfield scooped 3rd place, Scotscraig came 13th and Letham Grange, Old Course came 15^th.

The editor of bunkered, Martin Dempster, hailed the competition a massive success.

"This competition was intended to give some of Scotland's lesser known courses their place in the spotlight," said Dempster.

"The strength of this list clearly demonstrates the strength and variety of the courses we have here in the 'Home of Golf' and that is something that every Scot should be proud of."

The full list is as follows:

1) Boat of Garten, 2) Ladybank, 3) Downfield, 4) Gleneagles, Queen's Course, 5) Dunbar, 6) The Roxburghe, 7) Lundin Links, 8) Crail, Balcomie Links, 9) St Andrews, Dukes Course, 10) Glasgow Gailes, 11) Moray, Old Course, 12) Murcar Links, 13) Scotscraig, 14) St Andrews, New Course, 15) Letham Grange, Old Course, 16) Turnberry, Kintyre Course, 17) The Carrick at Cameron House, 18) Royal Aberdeen's, Balgownie Links.

Padraig Harrington is the new Open champion

22 July 2007

Padraig Harrington has become the first Irish winner of The Open Championship since Fred Daly in 1947. He lifted the Claret Jug after a dramatic nail-biting four-hole play-off with Sergio Garcia of Spain.

He had a one stroke advantage on the final hole of normal play but twice put his ball in the Barry Burn to take six. Garcia then had the chance to win at the 72nd hole, but bunkered his second shot and took five to force the play-off.

Harrington took an immediate advantage in the four hole decider, holing a birdie putt from eight feet while Garcia was bunkered short of the pin and failed to get up and down. They matched shots at the 16th and 17th before Harrington laid up in two at the 18th.

Going for broke Garcia hit his driver and then fired a six-iron from the light rough on the left 203 yards into the centre of the green. Harrington's approach pulled up outside Garcia's ball and his first putt rolled three feet past. Garcia's putted shaved the hole but he made the return, leaving Harrington an unwanted three-footer for the title.

Is Europe’s major drought to end?

22 July 2007

Is this the end of Europe's eight-year major drought? Sergio Garcia continued his reign at the top of the Open Championship leaderboard for a third day and looks unstoppable.

The 27-year-old Spaniard, who is nine under for 54 holes, has now played 26 holes without dropping a shot and looks set to become the 2007 Open champion.

"It's great to be leading," he told the BBC. "I had birdie chances coming in but I am not going to be greedy.

"The support I got was amazing. I had goose bumps on the last. They were cheering and I just wanted to make that putt so badly for them."

In second place on the leaderboard in American player Steve Stricker who finished his 54 hole six under, followed by the group of players all tied for third at three under - Americans Chris DiMarco and Stewart Cink, England's Paul Broadhurst, former champion Ernie Els, Korean KJ Choi and the Irish duo Padraig Harrington and Paul McGinley.

Tiger Woods finished his round in 15^th place with one under. While playing on the 6^th the American player unfortunately struck a women with his ball So does he still have a chance.

He said: "I’ve got to be playing a little better than I have been, that’s for sure. I’m in the position I’ve dealt myself. I need to play well tomorrow and hopefully get the title.

Early in Woods’ round while playing the 6^th he was unfortunate to have his ball strike a women’s head in the crowd. "It was terrible. I wasn’t trying to hit it over there, that’s for sure. I saw the ball bounce out and figured it had to have hit somebody. And unfortunately I went over there and the lady was bleeding all over the place. I felt really bad," he said. "I’ve done that before. You don’t ever feel good about it."

For details of all final round scores as they happen visit the R&A's
Live Leaderboard

Play underway in third round

21 July 2007

Despite forecasts of bad weather at Carnoustie today, play has begun with no rain and little wind so far.

Current leader Sergio Garcia is last out at 2.30pm accompanied by KJ Choi of Korea. Garcia currently has a two shot lead going into his round, although at this point anything could happen and it would be unwise to predict the winner. If we cast our minds back to 1999 Paul Lawrie took the Championship from 10 shots down on the final day.

For details of all day three scores as they happen visit the R&A's
Live Leaderboard

Spaniard still in lead at end of day two

20 July 2007

At the end of day two of the 136^th Open Championship at Carnoustie Sergio Garcia retained his place at the top of the leaderboard.

The Spaniard finished par 71 adding this to his score of 65 on Thursday to remain six under par.

"It wasn't an easy day out there," he said. "I managed to not make many mistakes. I didn't play as well as yesterday, but I was quite consistent.

"I am in a good position. I just have to keep playing well and believing."

Korea's KJ Choi carded his second straight 69 to reach four under and said playing with Paul Lawrie back in 1999 had helped his game. "Back in 1999 my shots were very weak in the wind. So when I played with Paul I actually learned a lot because I saw how Paul used the ball. So I think it was a good lesson for me," he said.

Defending Champion Tiger Woods finished one over. With a difficult round and bad weather predicted for tomorrow he will now be looking for a better round to continue in his quest for his third straight Open victory.

"I could have easily have shot myself right out of the tournament but I kept myself right in there," said Woods.

"With the (bad) weather coming in tomorrow I need to get organized because it looks like it will be a pretty tough day."

Support for Garcia continues to grow at Carnoustie from the spectators and he was quick to acknowledge the crowds. He said: "The Scottish crowds they’re amazing." I’m just hoping that I can keep doing good and doing well and give them things to cheers for."

The young Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy had a harder second round than his first but will be pleased with his two over finish which secured his place for the third round guaranteed the Silver Medal for finishing as the top amateur.

Worldwide interest in Carnoustie Country at Open

20 July 2007

VISITORS from all over the world are finding out more about the great golf and great places to stay in the Carnoustie area.

The Carnoustie Country pavilion at this week’s Open Championship is attracting spectators from all over the globe keen to sample the many fantastic courses available locally.

Enthusiastic visitors to the pavilion from as far afield at the Philippines and the Far East are pledging to return and test their golfing skills.

Visitors to the pavilion are being offered the chance to enter a prize draw for three days play and three nights stay for two, and already over 1000 people have put their names into the hat.

The Carnoustie Country campaign is run by Angus Council whose spokesperson said interest in the pavilion was exceeding all expectations.

"Carnoustie Country is one of the finest golfing destinations in the country and with the Open coming to Carnoustie this year, it has given us a fantastic opportunity to promote it on a worldwide stage," she said.

"Since the start of the week we’ve had hundreds of visitors, and at least 15 different nationalities, and they have all been surprised and enthusiastic about the great golf, places to stay and visit, on offer here.

"In particular the Dream Ticket which offers a round at four championship courses – Carnoustie, Monifieth, Panmure and Montrose – at an extremely competitive price is proving a popular product.

"Now that the Open is well underway we’re looking forward to extending a warm, and dry, welcome to even more people at the pavilion and raising awareness of the fantastic opportunities in Carnoustie Country – the historic heartland of golf."

Weather improves for day two at Open

20 July 2007

Day two of The Open is underway and so far the conditions are dry and greatly improved on yesterday.

Amatuer player Rory McIlroy, teed off at 8.31am with Miguel Angel Jiminez, who is at two under. The current leader, Sergio Garcia headed out at 9.31am looking to add to his six under round from yesterday.

Current Open Champion Tiger Woods is out at 2.20pm in his group with Justin Rose and Paul Lawrie.

For details of all day two scores as they happen visit the R&A's Live Leaderboard

Garcia leads first round at Carnoustie

19 July 2007

Spaniard Sergio Garcia the 136th Open Championship after an impressive first-round 65 at Carnoustie.

Garcia was followed on the leaderboard by Ireland's Paul McGinley by two shots. Just behind McGinley by one was the 18-year-old Northern Irish amateur Rory McIlroy, Argentina's Angel Cabrera, Michael Campbell, Markus Brier and Boo Weekley.

Defending champion Tiger Woods carded a two-under 69 while Scotland’s Paul Lawrie finished two over par.

Ireland's Padraig Harrington was also two under, while England's Luke Donald, was one-under 70.

America's Phil Mickelson, the world number two, carded a level-par while Scotland’s favourite Colin Montgomerie, still seeking a major title after five runner-up spots, shot a birdie-less two-over 73.

Commenting on his first round Garcia put his good fortune down partly to the condition of the course. He said: "I think it is the best shaped links course I’ve ever seen. I’ve never seen a links course where the fairways are so pure and the greens are so good."

Chris Evans live at Carnoustie Country

19 July 2007

Top Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans is set to present a very special All Request Friday from the Open in Carnoustie this Friday, 20 July, 5-7pm. Chris will be broadcasting his show live from the Carnoustie Country pavilion, located on stand 15.

Cold and wet start to 136th Open

19 July 2007

A cold, wet and windy start to the Open Championship at Carnoustie has done nothing to deter spectators or dampen spirits this morning.

The crowds have arrived in their thousands and the first round is underway. Defending Champion Tiger Woods teed off just after 9am with Paul Lawrie, who took the title when the Championship was last played At Carnoustie in 1999, and English player Justin Rose.

For details of first round scores visit the R&A's Live Leaderboard

Gary Player reflects on his 1968 Open win

18 July 2007

In Carnoustie today, the three-time Open Champion, Gary Player, reflected on his victory on the famous course in 1968, a year when he was the only player whose aggregate score was below 290.

"My recollection is playing down from the 14th in with Jack Nicklaus and there were five of us within one stroke of each other, could have gone either way. I hit my driver on the right hand side of the fairway and I could see that flag whipping in the breeze, the Spectacle hole. I hit the 3-wood eight inches from the hole and I made that which gave me a two-shot advantage."

At the 18^th Gary explained that he had better course management than Van de Velde had in 1999.

"I had a two-shot lead over Jack, and I took a 2-iron off the tee...Jack could reach the last hole, and I thought he could get an eagle and I get a par, but I went to the law of averages and I did the right thing."

Gary said that Carnoustie had produced many great champions and in his opinion the finest.

"I've never seen a guy play like Ben Hogan in my life, and I've played with them all. I don't know what you would do if you gave Ben Hogan no spike marks on the greens, with the soft spikes that they have now, and the grooves and the lightweight shafts etc etc. I don't know how well he would have played because I've never seen anybody hit the ball like he from tee to green."

But when pushed as to who would be the winner of a hypothetical duel between Hogan and Tiger, Player diplomatically said, "Hogan was far better from tee to green...but I don't know of anybody who ever putted better than Tiger. So I call it a tie."

Lawrie drawn with Woods and Rose

17 July 2007

Paul Lawrie has been drawn to play with world number one Tiger Woods and English player Justin Rose in the opening two rounds.

"From a personal point of view I would rather it be low key, but you want to play with the best and obviously Tiger is by far the best player in the world right now and I'm looking forward to playing with him. I've played with him before, he's a great guy to play with and I'm looking forward to it."

He denied suggestions that the hype of playing with Woods would affect his game. "It makes no difference to me who you're playing with. I've been here before and won before. I've practised well and put a lot of effort into this week. I'll be getting around in the lowest score I can."

Seve Ballesteros announces retirement

17 July 2007

Severiano Ballesteros announced his retirement from competitive golf during the build-up to The Open at Carnoustie, on Monday 16 July, where he played in his first Open Championship back in 1975.

The 50-year-old told a packed press conference that after much soul searching, he was calling time on his 30 year career.

Ballersteros turned profession at the age of sixteen in 1974 and just two years later he made his mark by finishing second in the Open at Royal Birkdale alongside Jack Nicklaus.

His first major title came at the 1979 Open, a tournament he went on to win again 1984 and 1988.

Tiger Woods commenting on Tuesday said, "Seve has been probably the most creative players who’s ever played the game. He was a genius. We are certainly going to miss him."

Last player qualifies for Open Championship

16 July 2007

Local Final Qualifying

9 July 2007

A total of 384 players fight for 12 places in the starting line-up for The Open at Carnoustie over 36 holes of Local Final Qualifying at Downfield, Monifieth, Montrose and Panmure today and tomorrow.

The starting field for each LFQ will be 96 players, and there will be three qualification places from each venue into The Open at Carnoustie.

Former Amateur champion and local Carnoustie Country man, Stuart Wilson is battling for a place at Panmure. Also competing at Panmure is Thomas Levet of France, who lost on the fifth extra hole in a four-man play-off for the Open title at Muirfield in 2002.

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Carnoustie Webcam Launched

21 June 2007

With the 2007 Open Championship now only a couple of weeks away, the Carnoustie Course is a hive of activity - with grandstands being built, tented village constructed and last-minute green-keeping taking place.

You can now get your very own bird’s eye view of the action and find out what’s happening on the course today with Carnoustie Country’s very own webcam.

The new webcam is located on the clock tower of the Carnoustie Golf Hotel with views over the first tee of the Championship Course. In the distance you may see the Buddon and Burnside courses and the links at Barry.

You can view the webcam by clicking on the following link: http://www.angusahead.com/VisitAngus/Webcams/webcamHome.asp