DUNDONALD LINKS SET FOR NATIONAL EVENT DEBUT

Following a successful weekend for Scottish Golf, the action returns to the domestic scene on Saturday (14 – 16 June) with Dundonald Links staging its first ever national SGU event , the 2008 DM Hall Scottish Mid-Amateur Championship.

Following a successful weekend for Scottish Golf, the action returns to the domestic scene on Saturday (14 – 16 June) with Dundonald Links staging its first ever national SGU event , the 2008 DM Hall Scottish Mid-Amateur Championship.

This year’s event has proved more popular than any in the Championship’s 15-year history, with a record 115 entries, resulting in the lowest ever handicap ballot of 1.5, with 37 reserves anxiously waiting for a last minute call-up.

The Kyle Phillips designed Ayrshire links, which opened in 2003 and is recognized as one of the country’s finest new courses, has helped attract a high calibre field of over 25s for the championship which is designed to give full-time low handicap working amateurs the opportunity of competing on a national stage.

Speaking ahead of the event, Dundonald Links head professional Guy Redford said: "We are delighted to be host this year’s event and play our part in keeping the Mid-Amateur flourishing in Scotland. It gives a great opportunity for some of the country’s top amateurs to play the Dundonald Links competitively and we look forward to seeing how the course will challenge them."

"Our reputation is growing all the time and with the Tour Qualifying School coming later in the season it’s an exciting time for everyone here. The record entry level certainly reflects the interest in the course." he added.

The quest for the 2008 title is wide open, with last year’s champion Matthew Clark (Kilmalcolm) opting to test his mettle further down the Ayrshire coast at the Amateur Championship hosted at Turnberry. Terry Mathieson – runner-up two years ago and one of the lowest handicaps in the field – will start among the favourites, whilst the veteran Mid-Am contender Les McLaughlin (Cowglen) will fancy his chances after a good showing in the Scottish Amateur Championship at Prestwick last year.

Scotland team captain George Crawford, who won the event in 1999, highlights the calibre of contenders for this year’s crown and another notable name in the line-up is former Celtic and Southampton footballer Paul Telfer. The 36-year-old, who gained one international cap for Scotland, turns his attention the smaller ball this weekend and having missed the cut at Duddingston last year, will be aiming for a place in the last 16 knock-out stages.

Emma Strachan, Marketing Manager for DM Hall said, "We are delighted to be sponsoring this event again which continues to go from strength to strength. The championship gives DM Hall the opportunity to support golf at grass roots level and reflects our ongoing commitment to the game both nationally and locally."

The Championship begins on Saturday with 36 holes of stroke play, with the leading 16 players qualifying for the knock-out match play stages. The final takes place on Monday afternoon.