10 Years on From Hosting our First Scottish Open
July this year will mark the tenth anniversary of Gullane Golf Club hosting its first Scottish Open, with many fond memories for members and fans of the course to look back on.
Etched foremost in the minds of the thousands of spectators who savoured the final day will be Rickie Fowler’s closing birdie to seal a memorable win on our famous links and win the hearts of the local golfing fraternity.
The American Ryder Cup star, dressed in his traditional orange with matching driver as a nod to his Oklahoma State college days, clinched one of the biggest wins of his career with a two-under par 68 on a scintillating Sunday to finish one clear of Matt Kuchar and Raphael Jacquelin.
The leaderboard had ebbed and flowed throughout the final day but it was late birdie blitz by the popular US Ryder Cup star which sealed his maiden European Tour victory, carding three in the final holes. He held his nerve on the 72nd hole – finding the fairway from the lengthened 18th tee, before finessing a delightful wedge to four feet which he duly holed to the delight of huge galleries.
Alasdair Good, Head Professional at Gullane, recalled what proved to be a fabulous final round:
“I was fortunate to catch up with Rickie and his [former] caddie Joe Skovron in the clubhouse shortly after his win.
“They both said how much they loved the club and the village of Gullane. Joe said Rickie loved it so much he was thinking of buying a house here. I said if he did and wanted to join the club and was looking for a partner for the Winter Foursomes to let me know!”
The local fans fell in love with Fowler as they were treated to a brilliant display of power and touch, and the American was only too pleased to give something back to the club.
Good added: “Following his victory here, Rickie was so impressed with the course and the club that he donated his orange driver to the clubhouse as a thank you.
“A standout memory for me personally was the incredible sportsmanship displayed by the players throughout the week.
“One instance that comes to mind is when Rickie, during a practice round, took the time to give some impromptu advice and encouragement to a group of young local golfers who were watching from the sidelines.
Fowler beat a leaderboard that included the likes of an upcoming Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson – who two years prior had lifted the Claret Jug at nearby Muirfield – Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry and Tyrrell Hatton.
It was certainly a week to remember for local community, who came together to celebrate not just the sport of golf, but the shared pride in the village and its rich golfing heritage.
“Moreover, the event provided a platform to inspire the next generation of golfers. Seeing top-tier professionals compete on their local course motivated young aspiring golfers in the area.
“Hosting the Scottish Open was a momentous occasion for Gullane. It reinforced our status as a premier golfing destination, strengthened community bonds, inspired future generations, and brought a sense of joy and pride to everyone involved.
“Seeing our course on TV from a new perspective with the benefit of high-quality lenses and drone footage was incredible.”
The club went on to host the Scottish Open three years later in 2018, won in some style by South African Brandon Stone with a narrowly missed out on a 59 when his birdie putt on the 18th slipped past, followed by the staging of the Ladies Scottish Open later the same summer, when Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn held off Minjee Lee to close out victory by a shot.
This year’s Genisis Scottish Open is being played at The Renaissance Club from 10 – 13 July, and Gullane’s golfers will be hoping Rickie Fowler makes a return to the scene of one of his most treasured triumphs during his week in East Lothian.