Fox trots into Johnnie Walker

Graham Fox's efforts in landing the Gleneagles Scottish PGA Championship has earned the Rowallan Castle player a spot in the coveted Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles from August 23-26.

The 35-year old from West Kilbride last played in the event in 2002 and is looking forward to playing alongside many of his friends.

"The opportunity to secure a place in the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles was a huge incentive not just to play well but to win, the Tartan Tour's flagship event," said Fox.

"It is always great to be able to play the King's Course and to enjoy all the history and tradition it represents, however The PGA Centenary Course is definitely one of the toughest.

"This year's event has the added focus of Ryder Cup points for some players. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to go back to Gleneagles, the challenges of playing in this event and renewing old friendships."

Fox will line up against some of the biggest names in golf when the Championship gets underway on August 23 and as the last counting event for Ryder Cup points, it is set to be an exciting finale over the recently modified PGA Centenary Course.

Bernard Murphy, general manager of Gleneagles, said: 'To have the opportunity to offer the winner of our Gleneagles Scottish PGA Championship a place in the Johnnie Walker Championship here is particularly special for us.

"Graham played well to win the title and secure his place in the event. He is very familiar with all the courses here having taken part in a variety of events since he was a teenager; I'm sure he'll enjoy the challenges of The PGA Centenary Course and we wish him well."

Fox, who became a father 10 weeks ago, experienced one full season on the European Tour back in 2002 and he has not given up hope of returning next season. The former Scotland amateur cap will have another attempt at the qualifying school later this year.

"I've been playing well for the last couple of months and it's great to get some vindication of all the hard work by winning this championship. I think I'm going back to tour school at the end of this year far better prepared for it than I was last year and the Johnnie Walker Championship will be the icing on the cake" said Fox.