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Post Olympic event brings full field to Dumbarnie Links
With the golf world focusing this week on the Women’s event at the Tokyo Olympics, preparations continue for the Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open. Organizers announced this week that there will be thirty-two Olympians heading to Scotland upon the conclusion of the Games in Tokyo., with Minjee Lee, the newly crowned Major champion from the Amundi Evian classic expected to be one of the headliners.
Olympic players include Lydia Ko (N.Z.), Australian major champions Minjee Lee (Amundi Evian) and Hannah Green (KPMG), Thai stars, major champions Ariya Jutanugarn (USWO & AIG Women’s Open) and Patty Tavatanakit (ANA), Yuka Saso of the Philippines (USWO) and current AIG Women’s Open champion, Sophia Popov of Germany.
Prior to leaving for the Olympics, Minjee Lee, spoke of playing the Scottish Women’s Open while looking forward to this year’s edition as a newly minted major champion. “It has been an unreal few weeks really. Finally winning my first Major feels so good and then the excitement of heading to the Olympics to represent Australia is amazing. Although it’s a busy time, I know I will arrive in Scotland raring to go. I absolutely love visiting the UK and especially getting the opportunity to play links golf in Scotland. It always feels so special, and I really enjoy all the challenges that links golf throws up.”
Barring any last-minute withdrawals or additions, there will be a total of 16—Major champions in this year’s field, including the defending champion, Stacy Lewis. The 2020 Champion, Lewis enters the week with 13 career wins credited to her name, including Major championships at the AIG Women’s Open (Women’s British Open) and the ANA Inspiration. Her most recent win coming at this event in 2020.
Another new aspect to this year’s championship event is the change of venue as Dumbarnie Links plays host to this year’s edition. Overlooking the Firth of Forth, Dumbarnie is in the heart of some of Scotland’s most well-known courses with St. Andrews only 11 miles and mere minutes away to the North. With a clubhouse sitting approximately 100 feet above sea level, Muirfield can be seen to the South, looking across the Firth of Forth.
As a new course having commenced operations in 2020, Dumbarnie may not have the pedigree of its neighbours, but that does not mean that it won’t be able to produce its share of special moments. Designed by architect Clive Clark, the course is designed with 14 of the holes alongside the water, providing panoramic views of the Scottish countryside. It’s elevated topography provides for some elevated tee-boxes that offer up tantalizing views and “risk/reward” prospects, with three drivable Par-4’s. With total yardage varying from 5,300 to 6,900 yards, Dumbarnie Links describes its development as being “designed to inspire rather than intimidate golfers.”
The event runs the week after the Tokyo Olympics, from August 12 – 15th. Other featured players will include LET players Attaya Thitikul of Thailand, Australian Stephanie Kyriacou, and Scottish favourite Carly Booth.