Scottish Hydro Challenge

As I opened up "The Scotsman" this lunchtime the usual load of supplements fell out of the paper (which normally go straight in the recycling) however, there was one promoting the Scottish Hydro Challenge which is taking place at the Spey Valley Course in Aviemore from the 10th -13th June this month which is worth a mention.

This tournament used to take place at Cardrona in the Scottish Borders (one of the courses which I use on the North Borders Short Break) but for the last two years it has been hosted by the Spey Valley Course. This is a Dave Thomas designed course and was created in 2006 as part of the Macdonald Hotel complex and threads its way through the heather and silver birch just outside Aviemore. It has one of the most scenic backdrops in the Cairngorm Mountains which are still likely to still have a covering of snow on them when the tournament starts - a legacy of one of the coldest winters in years.

It is quite a long course at 7,118 yards from the championship tees with only 4 par 4s under 400 yards and only 1 par 3 under 200 yards. The 5th hole is a monster par 5 of 635 yards although Sandy Lyle (in his review of the course) says it is only tricky if the wind is coming from the East - I suppose it probably is for an ex-winner of the Masters.

The other great thing about this tournament is that all spectators can get in absolutely free and as one of the European Challenge Tour's biggest events with a prize fund of £172,000 it is attracting players like Matteo Manassero. It gives you the chance to get up close and see some of the stars of the future as well as some of the stars of the past with the former Open Champion Paul Lawrie playing this year. This tour has produced players like Constantina Rocca, Thomas Bjorn and Andrew Coltart all of whom went on to play in the Ryder Cup.

If you are just learning the game and want to see top class players without paying top prices for it I'd encourage you to go along and support this event. More information about the tournament can be found at
http://www.europeantour.com/challengetour/season=2010/tournamentid=2010738/index.html