Murcar Links to host Northern Open

Golfers from across Scotland will light up the fairways of Murcar Golf Links when it plays host to the 2014 Northern Open.

The tournament, which is supported by the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre and carries a £35,000 prize fund, will take place on June 17-19, with a pre-tournament pro-am on June 16.

First staged in 1931, the Northern Open is one of the oldest Professional golf tournaments in the world and, as one of only two 72-hole events on the Tartan Tour calendar, is one of the most prestigious on the Scottish domestic circuit.

James Byrne, above, took last year’s title for the second year running after setting a new Northern Open low scoring record. He will be hoping to make it a hat-trick of victories this time around.  

Paul Lawrie has been a supporter of the Tartan Tour for a number of years and is extending his backing by becoming the headline sponsor of the Northern Open, whilst continuing his sponsorship of the Paul Lawrie Foundation tournament at Deeside in September.

Lawrie commented: “We are very happy to be able to support this Championship which has such a rich history. I fondly remember playing The Northern so it’s nice to be a part of that history.  Murcar was on the rota of courses that regularly hosted the Northern Open so it’s good to see it back in Aberdeen.”

Secretary of the PGA in Scotland, Brian Mair said: “We are delighted to have agreed this deal. Paul’s involvement means so much in and around Aberdeen and we remain committed to taking the Tartan Tour to a new level. 

"Initially it’s a one year deal, but can be extended for longer if it is to the benefit of all parties. It’s our intention to return the Northern Open to its former glories and to establish a rota of top quality host venues for the years to come.”

Murcar Golf Club Captain David Grant commented: “It's a great honour that the PGA and sponsors are taking such a prestigious tournament, one of the oldest events in Professional Golf, back to Murcar Links. 

"We are delighted to host the 2014 Paul Lawrie Golf Centre Northern Open and will extend a very warm welcome to all players, officials and spectators.  Let's hope for some fine weather to enhance this great event. At 6516 yards, short by modern standards, our course will provide a fair but challenging test, particularly if a little wind gets up.”