Gleneagles Watch: Johnnie Walker Championships

As Johnnie Walker Championship takes off at Gleneagles this Thursday, all eyes will be on defending champion and a homegrown hero, Paul Lawrie.

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August 20, 2013. As Johnnie Walker Championship takes off at Gleneagles this Thursday, all eyes will be on defending champion and a homegrown hero, Scot Paul Lawrie.

 

Scot Paul Lawrie claimed his eighth European Tour title at last year’s tournament, carding four rounds in the 60s to finish four shots clear of Australian Brett Rumford.

 

Lawrie went on the play a central role in Europe’s memorable Ryder Cup victory in Chicago just five weeks later, and he will be hoping for another inspiring performance at the host venue for the 2014 contest.

 

[highlight] For some of Europe’s Ryder Cup hopefuls, this week presents an ideal opportunity to not only capture the prestigious title, but also test them over the Jack Nicklaus-designed Centenary course, which will provide the backdrop for next year’s matches. [/highlight]

 

 

The 15th edition of the Johnnie Walker Championship will be played from August 22-25th at the Gleneagles. It is obvious that the native fans will be hoping for another home winner, with Lawrie and Marc Warren (2007) the only Scots to have triumphed so far.

 

Marc Warren will be another hopeful contender after recording his 12th place finish in the US PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club, two weeks ago.

 

Other native competitors include Scott Jamieson and Stephen Gallacher, winners already on The 2013 Race to Dubai in South Africa and Dubai respectively. Gallacher having finished tied sixth last year along with compatriot Richie Ramsay, who is also part of the field.

 

With preparations for The Ryder Cup set to be in full swing this time next year, The Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles will not feature on The 2014 European Tour International Schedule, returning to The Race to Dubai for 2015.

 

For some of Europe’s Ryder Cup hopefuls, this week presents an ideal opportunity to not only capture the prestigious title, but also test them over the Jack Nicklaus-designed Centenary course, which will provide the backdrop for next year’s matches.

 

Compiled by Rajlakshmi Retesh

 

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