The hosting of the Women’s Scottish Open later this year is like the ‘cherry on the opening cake’ says Dumbarnie Links General Manager David Scott.
Scotland’s newest golf course will host the premier women’s Scottish event from 12th to 15th August, 2021 and just 15 months after the stunning Upper Largo course was opened on 29th May last year.
Scott proudly shared with www.golfbytourmiss.com and also Daily Record Sport more of the details behind yesterday’s exciting announcement.
“We received the approach last year wondering if Dumbarnie Links was interested in hosting a championship the magnitude of the Women’s Scottish Open and we replied ‘absolutely, we are most excited’ to get our golf course on the TV screens across the globe,” said Scott.
David Scott and the General Manager at Dumbarnie Links
“However coming into the month it was getting tight for securing a title sponsor and even though we were having a lot of discussions for a number of months, it was not confirmed till 12th March.
“Anyway, the Chairman and the board along with investors, OB Sports and everyone here at Dumbarnie Links is super excited and thrilled.
“It’s just wonderful Dumbarnie Links was really only 10 months old when the decision was made to host the Women’s Scottish Open given we opened on 29th May last year.
“We fully anticipate a highly successfully and well-supported event given it is to me held the week prior to the Women’s British Open at Carnoustie.
“So, assuming international travel has recovered well and being professional sportswomen, and they are permitted to travel to compete in major sporting championships that we would have a very strong field.
“It will like the cherry atop of the cake for Dumbarnie Links in being able to attract golfers from around the world to tee-up at Dumbarnie Links in August.
“As well, Dumbarnie Links is only within an hour’s drive of Carnoustie so we are already hopeful many of the overseas top players will tee-up and not only get acclimatised to Scotland but get used to links style golf, and for our own Scottish women stars who will be in attendance that will make for an exciting championship at Dumbarnie Links the week prior to teeing-up at Carnoustie.”
The stunning-looking Dumbarnie Links and set to host the 2021 Women’s Scottish Open
Scott is no stranger to being involved with the launching of a new Scotland golf course and soon hosting a major golf tournament. He was proudly the first Director of Golf at Kingsbarns Links when it was officially opened in July 2000 and then 15 months later the course played host to the inaugural Alfred Dunhill Links.
“I was at Kingsbarns Links when we signed on to host in Octotber 2001 the Alfred Dunhill Links and in those dealings I had worked very closely with IMG Tournament Director, Ross Hallett who is also the tournament director for the Women’s Scottish Open,” said Scott.
“So, when he contacted me last year it made for an easy conversation as we didn’t have to sell each other as we’ve always got along well and cut straight to the chase.
“It’s just a delight to be again working with Ross and IMG. He’s a senior Vice-President at IMG and hugely experienced, and it’s an honour to be again working with him.”
Dumbarnie Golf Links overlooking the Firth of Forth and just 20-miles from St. Andrews
“We’ve only had discussion for the one year to host the event”.
News that Dumbarnie Links will host the 2021 Women’s Scottish Open has been greeted with very great approval not only be some of the stars of Scotland golf but also by the surrounding golf clubs.
And the opening of Dumbarnie Links is already proving a big lift to the local community.
“There’s been great feedback already from prominent people including so of the greats of Scottish golf and we’re just kind of pinching ourselves and can’t quite believe we have landed such a big fish early on,” said Scott.
“It’s just terrific for everyone on the ground here at Dumbarnie Links.
“The great news also is that from a local labour standpoint to be offering job opportunities to areas such as Leven and Kirkcaldy have clearly excited the local workforce in our area, so locally it’s terrific we have been so well received in the local area and it’s just pleasing everyone in the region is embracing what we are doing.
“For Scottish golf, it makes us an even stronger destination though in saying that we are not getting too ahead of ourselves as we haven’t been able to open our brand new clubhouse yet.
“The fact Dumbarnie Links will now host a round of the Ladies European Tour will make St. Andrews an even stronger destination for all international travellers.
“As well, all the local golf clubs see Dumbarnie Links as a benefit and not as a threat, so courses such as Ellie, Lundin Links, Leven and Crail Golfing Society have already seen their own business picking up just that little bit from tour operators.
“So, it’s a real win for the local area also for Fife golf along with for Scottish golf and also on international golfing stage.”
