Latest news

Diageo named Official Partner of 2014 Ryder Cup

Johnnie Walker becomes first Scottish brand with Official Partner status

The Ryder Cup at GleneaglesDiageo, the world’s leading premium drinks business and producer of Johnnie Walker Scotch whisky, was today named as an Official Partner of The 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.

The agreement will see Diageo use its portfolio of premium beverage alcohol brands to promote The 2014 Ryder Cup around the globe in partnership with Ryder Cup Europe. Central to the partnership will be Johnnie Walker, the world’s number one Scotch whisky and the first Scottish brand to enjoy Official Partner status for the tournament. 

Diageo owns The Gleneagles Hotel, the host venue for the 40th staging of the biennial contest, which will take place from Friday September 26 to Sunday September 28, 2014. The Official Partner agreement builds on Diageo’s long-standing association with The Ryder Cup which stretches back to the 1980s when Johnnie Walker was a presenting sponsor of The Ryder Cup in Europe in 1989, 1993 and 1997. 

Diageo will work closely with Ryder Cup Europe in the build-up to The 2014 Ryder Cup to maximise the opportunity which the Official Partnership creates to promote the tournament and Scotland in more than 180 countries around the world where the company markets its products. They will also work together to ensure those coming to Scotland for The 2014 Ryder Cup enjoy the best possible visitor experience at The Gleneagles Hotel.

Announcing the sponsorship at Gleneagles on behalf of Diageo, Peter Lederer, Chairman of Gleneagles Hotel, said: “We are already tremendously excited to be hosting The Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in 2014 and we are determined to make this event a major success for the whole of Scotland. Adding Johnnie Walker as a global brand which is exported to over 180 markets around the world, can only help us achieve that goal.

“Diageo, Johnnie Walker and Gleneagles Hotel have a long and proud history of supporting golf in Scotland and there couldn’t be a stronger team than the world’s number one Scotch whisky, the world’s number one team golf event, The Ryder Cup, and Scotland’s finest hotel golf resort, Gleneagles.”

As part of its role as Official Partner, Diageo has also committed to working with Clubgolf – the Scottish junior golf development agency – at corporate level to help promote participation in golf across Scotland, with numerous initiatives planned for the build up to 2014.

“Gleneagles and Diageo have a strong record in supporting youth golf development in Scotland and we are determined to use this sponsorship to contribute to the long-term positive legacy The Ryder Cup generates for Scotland and Scottish golf,” added Lederer.

Scottish First Minister, The Rt Hon Alex Salmond, who was at Gleneagles for the launch of the Official Partnership, said: "The Ryder Cup is set to bring immense benefits to Scotland, both in terms of the economic boost from the many thousands of visitors and the lasting sporting legacy the golf's premier team competition will leave on the country's golfers - both young and old.

"Plans for the tournament are progressing well, but the support from sponsors will ensure that the event is able to maximise the benefits to Scotland, be that through increasing visitor numbers or ensuring the tournament is the most spectacular Ryder Cup ever.

"That is why I am delighted to welcome Diageo on board as a major backer for The 2014 Ryder Cup. Their welcome support underlines the huge popularity of The Ryder Cup and shows the willingness of the Scottish business community to support major events right here on their doorstep.

"It is also exciting to see Diageo's pledge to work with the Scottish Government's innovative Clubgolf initiative, with a commitment to help promote participation in youth golf in the run up to the 2014 event.

"Clubgolf gives thousands of children in Scotland the chance to play golf, putting a club in the hands of every nine-year-old in the country, and the Scottish Government recently announced a £2million investment in the programme to build on the legacy opportunity The Ryder Cup offers."

Richard Hills, European Ryder Cup Director, added:  “We are delighted that Diageo and Johnnie Walker are making a welcome return to The Ryder Cup at the highest level, playing an active role in helping Ryder Cup Europe to put on a world class event in 2014 at Gleneagles, the course owned by Diageo.

“It is important to have a strong Scottish brand on board for The Ryder Cup in 2014 and Diageo recognises the importance the event will have on Scotland and Scottish golf and will work with us to provide a lasting legacy.

“As Diageo are owners of host venue Gleneagles, we look forward to working with them to help them maximise the opportunities of bringing The Ryder Cup to Gleneagles.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

About Diageo
Diageo is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, beer and wine. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Windsor, Buchanan’s and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Jose Cuervo, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, with its products sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

About Diageo in Scotland

For enquiries in relation to Diageo’s sponsorship, contact:

Ian Smith
Diageo Corporate Relations
Tel: 0131 519 2045
Mobile: 07736 786 888
ian.smith@diageo.com

About The Ryder Cup 2014

Golf fans can already pre-register their interest for tickets for The 2014 Ryder Cup via The European Tour’s official website, www.europeantour.com. If you already have a ‘My European Tour’ account, you simply need to tick The 2014 Ryder Cup ticket box in your profile to register your interest. If you don’t have an existing ‘My European Tour’ account, you will need to register before ticking the box.

Peter Lederer, Diageo Scotland, The Rt Hon Alex Salmond MSP, Scotland’s First Minister, Richard Hills, European Ryder Cup Director, and Patrick Elsmie, Managing Director of the Gleneagles Hotel © Rob McDougall

Picture: (l-r) Peter Lederer, Diageo Scotland, The Rt Hon Alex Salmond MSP, Scotland’s First Minister, Richard Hills, European Ryder Cup Director, and Patrick Elsmie, Managing Director of the Gleneagles Hotel  © Rob McDougall.

For further information, contact:
The European Tour Communications Division
Tel: +44 (0) 1344 840400
Fax: +44 (0) 1344 840444
Email: media@europeantour.com

Bjorn takes Johnnie Walker Championship title
after five-man play-off

Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn won a five-man, five-hole play-off in the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles today.

Bjorn takes Johnnie Walker Championship title after five-man play-off

The 40-year-old Dane beat South African George Coetzee when it came down to the two of them after Mark Foster, who went into the round as joint leader, with Ignacio Garrido, took a bogey six on the final hole of regulation play whilst one ahead of the field.

That dropped him alongside Bjorn, Coetzee, Spaniard Pablo Larrazabal and Austrian Bernd Wiesberger on the 11-under-par mark of 277. So back to the 18th they went as a five ball play-off.

Wiesberger was the first to drop out, running up a six on the first extra hole after driving into a bush and taking a penalty drop, we were down to four. Larrazabal went next, he also took six after his chip for birdie from over the green hit the hole, but went nearly five feet past.

Bjorn, Coetzee and Foster then entertained the Gleneagles crowd with three like for like birdies in the first five man play-off on the European Tour since 1992 at the BMW International Open. Foster then took six again on the fourth extra hole and, as Bjorn and Coetzee continued, he was left to reflect on what could have been.

The 37-year-old had led by three with eight holes to play, but was caught after he bogeyed the 12th and Bjorn, fourth in The Open last month, birdied both the 13th and long 16th. Bjorn the three-putted the par 3, 17th, giving Foster the chance to close out the title.

Foster, who has led three of his last four events at some stage then drove his 18th tee shot into the trees, his second shot found the rough and the Worksop man could not make the green in three leaving him a 20 foot putt from the rough. His putt left him short and the two man play-off commenced.

After Foster's exit it was finally decided after Bjorn pitched to within three feet for a third successive birdie, Coetzee could only manage a par and the celebrations could begin in what was the Dane’s 12th European Tour victory. A delighted Bjorn said, “The way I played the last three playoff holes, I can't be more proud of what I did. Everything was pretty spot on and those wedges I hit in on the playoff holes three and four were special, but that 7‑iron on the fifth playoff hole was probably one of the best golf shots I've ever hit.”

Joint sixth, but only one stroke back, were Scotland's Stephen Gallacher and Swede Joel Sjoholm, both of whom had failed to birdie the last.

It was a disappointing end to Foster’s week, “In the end, it was all down to Mark's mistake really on the last, but that happens in golf,” said Bjorn. “We have all been there when you had the chance to win and you don't. You've just got to draw on all the good things. He played wonderful golf this week and he's had a great year, and he's got to draw on that. Getting himself into positions, one will go your way and then once you start winning it becomes easier to win. He's got a hurdle there he's got to get over, but he's playing the golf and he's a brilliant guy and he'll get there.”

Reflecting on his 18th tee shot, Foster said, “Just couldn't get it to the fairway. Couldn't get a lie to get the third shot.”

“The leader board, that's how it is. You wait all day, you make a birdie in a playoff and two other people make one. It's the game. It will come. But I've just got to keep playing the same,” said Foster.

With this win moves up seven places to 8th in the Race To Dubai and along with picking up the £233,330 winners cheque is the proud new owner of the Johnnie Walker Championship trophy.

Foster and Garrido share the lead at the Johnnie Walker Championship

England’s Mark Foster, and overnight leader, Ignacio Garrido of Spain, were forced to share the Johnnie Walker Championship leader board on 11 under after day three at Gleneagles today

Mark Foster
Mark Foster

Garrido, who was part of the winning European Ryder Cup team against the Americans at Valderrama in 1997, lead by one shot going into Saturday, starting at 8 under par, and he was quickly caught first by day one leader, Mark Foster and then by Dane Thomas Bjorn whose round of 71 eventually left him 3 shots back at 8 under where he is tied third.

Garrido made a six-foot birdie putt on the 3rd to give him the outright lead, and in his second consecutive round of 69 the Spaniard carded a total of five birdies, but with two bogies on the 11th and 15th, Garrido was finally joined by Foster, who was able to do one better with a four under, 68.

Ignacio Garrido
Ignacio Garrido

Foster, whose round included 3 birdies, a bogey and an eagle on the par five, 9th was satisfied with his performance, “I just kept the ball in play and just kept hitting great shots into the par 5s, getting on the greens in two, making eag le chances. It was tricky again out there. As you can see, nobody was getting away.”

The 36 year old, whose best result this season came at the French Open, finishing tied second behind Thomas Levet, is taking a relaxed approach ahead of Sunday’s play, “Do I want to win? Of course I do. But I just do what I do now. I do my own thing, and you know, golf is just good for me. Life's good. Golf's good. And I just do the same thing every day and see what happens.”

Meanwhile, Garrido, whose last victory came at the PGA Championship at Wentworth, is looking forward to the challenge ahead of him tomorrow. He added, “I've got the experience to know how I'm going to be feeling tomorrow. Obviously, the fact that you have the chance to win, it puts a little bit of pressure on you, but hope its some nice pressure. I'm enjoying my golf lately, and that's what I've done these three days which is probably the key. I will try to do the same tomorrow.”

Both players are battling it out for the first prize of £233,330 and the coveted Johnnie Walker Championship trophy on the course that will host the 2014 Ryder Cup, and there were plenty of others still in with a chance.

Alongside Bjorn in tied third on eight under are Dubliner Peter Lawrie, Spain’s Pablo Larrazabal, Bern Wiesberger of Austria and American Anthony Kang, while Scottish pair, Stephen Gallacher and Marc Warren are lurking just one shot further back and remain in the hunt for the final round on Sunday.

Tickets for what is promised to be a fantastic day’s play on Sunday are available at the course and at www.europeantourtickets.com Parking is free.

Garrido heads a tight leaderboard at Gleneagles
26th August, 2011

Spain’s Ignacio Garrido leads a packed leader board by one shot, after the second round of the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles today.

Ignacio Garrido
Ignacio Garrido

Garrido, a two time winner on the European Tour carded a 3 under 69 round The PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles, which together with his brilliant 67 in the first round, leaves the Spaniard one shot clear of a pack of six which includes Thomas Bjorn, Kenneth Ferrie, Lorenzo Gagli, Peter Lawrie and overnight leader, Mark Foster who are like for like, on 7 under par.

Son of five time European Tour winner, Antonio, Garrido was pleased with his day’s work, explaining “The game was solid, just like yesterday I would say. Hit most of the fairways and so put the ball in position to then being able to attack and not get into trouble. And that's what I did.”

It’s tight leader board and Garrido was delighted to be sitting at the top, “It's always a great feeling. I mean, that's what we work for to be honest, top of everyone else at the end of the week. Easier said than done. But obviously to be leading the tournament at this halfway stage, it's just you're a step closer. Still a lot to be done.”

Within the chasing pack is early starter Lorenzo Gagli. Gagli, a 25-year-old graduate from last year's Challenge Tour got off to a great start, going to the turn in 32 to reach seven under par. The Italian who was among the groups back on the course at 7.30am to complete their first rounds after yesterday’s fog, then made 9 straight par’s to close out one better than his first round score on 68.

Lorenzo Gagli
Lorenzo Gagli

It has been a good rookie season for Gagli whose form has seen him finish third in the Scottish Open, eighth in the Irish Open and fifth in last week's Czech Open. Gleneagles also seems to be suiting the Italian, “Yes, the golf course is very good” said Gagli. “It's tough because the fairways are narrow, so you have to drive very good to play a good tournament here.”

Thomas BjornThomas Bjorn rediscovered his Open Championship form to shoot a second straight round in the 60’s, the 40-year-old Dane followed up an opening-round 68 with a 3-under 69 to leave him one shot off the lead, at 7 under.

After finishing fourth at Royal St. George's six weeks ago, Bjorn has struggled in the States in recent week but back playing in Scotland, the ‘Home of Golf’, Bjorn seemed to rediscover the confidence that along with his Open performance also saw him win the Qatar Masters in February. “I think The Open this year showed that when you come into tough conditions, a tough Open like that, it's all about knowing how to play that type of golf, and I played extremely well that week, and you know, got a lot of confidence from it,” explained the Dane.

When asked if he had his sights set on a Ryder Cup spot in 2012 and what his role may be at the host venue, Gleneagles in 2014, Bjorn didn’t rule anything out. “It's going to be a difficult team to make, but you've got to play well and try and do the best. I think when you get to my age, you always hope there's one more in you.”

“At the moment, when I feel the way I do, I feel pretty healthy, I feel good about my game, and where things are going in the right direction, being on the golf course inside the ropes hitting golf shots, that's what you want to do,” said Bjorn.

Kenneth Ferrie also managed a 69 to leave him at 7 under and put him in contention for a first win since 2005. The Englishman’s last win came back the Smurfit European Open and a happy Ferrie, whose round included five birdies was pleased with a recent change of putter, “I swapped to the belly putter a couple of weeks ago and it's paid off. I've holed my fair of 4‑ and 5‑footers which I've been struggling with and that's been the marked improvement this week.”

The 32 year old from Newcastle is enjoying being back amongst the front runners, “Oh, no doubt, that's what we play for. We play to try to get that feel, and it's a great feel when you get in contention and like I say, I haven't been there quite as much as I would have liked to have been the last couple of years. The fact that I have won twice before, and I've been up there many other times, I think can only be good for me,” said Ferrie.

The fourth player to reach the 7 under club was Irishman, Peter Lawrie. A solid round of 69 to go with Thursdays 68 puts Lawrie within the mix to win this prestigious title, “I played okay. I putted lovely, I really did. But I had a lot of short irons in, just coming in there at the end, I didn't hit them real close but the putter certainly made up for it, especially on the 13th hole, I holed a real nice putt there. Very happy with 69,” said Lawrie, who’s only European Tour victory came at the 2008 Open de Espana, when he defeated the current leader Ignacio Garrido in a playoff.

Peter Lawrie
Peter Lawrie

Overnight leader, Mark Foster, was one of the day’s late starters, teeing off at 14:10. The Englishman who yesterday admitted that nerves have got the better of him in similar positions, got to the turn level par, before making a birdie at the par 4, 11th, to finish with a 1 under, 71. A frustrated Foster, said, “I went out in the lead, I would have liked to have stayed in the lead but I'm in touch”

Two players who are also in touch are England’s James Morrison and the energetic Spaniard, Pablo Larrazabal who are two shots back. Larrazabal could have scored the joint lowest round of the day at 66 before making two bogies to eventually card a 68. “I feel a little bit disappointed. It could be a lot better,” said Larrazabal. “I missed two shots and cost me two bogeys.”

One man, who did score a 6 under, 66, was Anthony Kang. After carding a 73 in his opening round, the American who has one victory on the European Tour, managed 6 birdies in a bogeyless round over The PGA Centenary Course. Kang currently lays tied 9th with all to play for. A fantastic weekend of golf lies ahead at the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles.

Scot Watch
Past champion, Marc Warren leads the Scottish charge with a fine 3 under, 69 in round two to go with his 70 in round one. Warren who won back in 2007, currently lies 3 shots back of the lead on 5 under par.

Banchory amateur, James Bryne seems to be taking everything in his stride, with rounds of 70 and 71 the 22-year-old, who will be part of the Great Britain and Ireland Walker Cup team at Royal Aberdeen next month, will go into the weekend in tied 19th, on 3 under.

Tickets are available at the course and at www.europeantourtickets.com Parking is free.

Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport celebrates
£5 Friday with clubgolfers at Gleneagles
26th August, 2011

Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport, Shona Robison, today (Friday 26 August) celebrated Gleneagles’ inaugural £5 Friday at the Johnnie Walker Championship together with young children benefitting from the clubgolf programme.

Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport, Shona Robison with clubgolfers from St Mary’s Primary School, Bonnyrigg, Midlothian at the clubgolf coaching area at Gleneagles today
Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport, Shona Robison with clubgolfers from St Mary’s Primary School, Bonnyrigg, Midlothian at the clubgolf coaching area at Gleneagles today

As the venue for the Johnnie Walker Championship and the Host Venue for the 2014 Ryder Cup, The Gleneagles Hotel is one of the strongest supporters of golf in Scotland. That support has been increased this year with the introduction of today’s ‘£5 Friday’.

Gleneagles will donate all the revenue from today’s ticket sales to clubgolf, Scotland’s junior golf development programme which so far this year has introduced 37,790 children to the game through its schools’ introductory programme, firstclubgolf.

Speaking at the clubgolf coaching area today, Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport, Shona Robison said: “£5 Friday is an excellent initiative which will enable spectators at the Johnnie Walker Championship to play their part in supporting the clubgolf programme. The revenue raised from £5 Friday ticket sales and donated by The Gleneagles Hotel will help clubgolf in its continued drive to reach out to clubs and schools and provide opportunities for aspiring young players.”

Patrick Elsmie, Managing Director of the AA Five Star resort, said: ‘We are delighted to welcome so many aspiring junior players to Gleneagles this week. It is important to us that, as a high profile golfing venue and the Host Venue for the 2014 Ryder Cup, we help to create opportunities for the next generation of players and this support for clubgolf allows us to do that.

The Johnnie Walker Championship is a tremendous tournament and enjoys great support from players and spectators alike. By taking this initiative with the ticket price today, we hope that many more spectators have been encouraged to come along and enjoy a great golfing spectacle and the magnificent setting here in Perthshire while supporting the development of the game in Scotland.’

This week Gleneagles plays host to more than 200 children from clubgolf programmes. Each child attending will have the opportunity to practise their skills under the eye of PGA professionals and qualified volunteer coaches in the dedicated clubgolf coaching area and watch the professionals in action on the course.

Said clubgolf Manager, Jackie Davidson:“We are delighted that The Gleneagles Hotel has created £5 Friday as a further commitment to clubgolf.

Gleneagles already makes a huge impact to our programme through its fabulous opportunities for our young players. Hundreds of clubgolfers benefit from coaching clinics every year during the Johnnie Walker Championship and many more take up the offer of tee times on the Wee Course throughout the season.

“In addition to investment we are now receiving from the Royal Bank of Scotland and Highland Spring, Gleneagles’ further support through £5 Friday will enable us to invest and reach our ambitious targets in clubs and schools, ensuring clubgolf leaves a lasting legacy beyond the 2014 Ryder Cup.”

Tickets are available at the course and at www.europeantourtickets.com. Parking is free.

For further details on The Gleneagles Hotel, visit www.gleneagles.com

-ends-

Further information from: Elaine Howie PR Ltd 07720 442881
Further information on clubgolf from: Rob Eyton-Jones on 07775 746981

Foster takes an early lead

A six-under-par 66 on day one of the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles was enough to give Mark Foster the clubhouse lead.

The Englishman leads Spain's Ignacio Garrido and Argentina’s Tano Goya by one stroke midway through round one at Gleneagles, on a day that saw a two and a half hour delay due to morning fog, but perfect golfing conditions thereafter.

Foster started on the back nine, and after a par on the tenth, he rattled off four consecutive birdies before adding two more at the 17th and 18th. Six under at the turn, Foster had to settle for two more birdies and two bogeys on his back nine to finish on six under par for the tournament.

"It was a good, solid day," Foster said. "Obviously being seven under I felt like I could have been a couple better and all of a sudden, going back to 5 you don't think you're going any good and you're still five under par starting the tournament, which is in a great position to be in."

Garrido, meanwhile, had six birdies and a bogey for his 67 and the Spaniard was pleased with his consistency on the opening round,” I think the key was that I played very solid. Just hit most of the fairways, most of the greens, and took my chances. So I never really got in trouble. And that's probably what the main thing is to do here.”

Tano Goya, whose one victory on the European Tour came on only his sixth start back in 2009, also carded six birdies and a bogey for his 67. The 23 year old Argentine will be looking to continue his form into Friday.

Ireland's Peter Lawrie briefly led in the early exchanges, carding four early bogeys, but he eventually had to settle for a 68 that leaves him in tied third place with Felipe Aguilar and Thomas Bjorn. Five Englishmen, Chris Wood, Robert Coles, Richard McEvoy, John Parry and Richard Bland enjoyed rounds of 69’s.

Tournament chairman, Colin Montgomerie got off to a flying start with a birdie at the 1st and an eagle on the par 5, 2nd but the Scot then followed them up with two straight bogey’s in an up and down round. Three more birdies and three more bogies were added to the card before play was ended for the day. Monty will have to finish his final two holes in the morning where he will start the day tied 51st.

It was a frustrating day for reigning champion, Edoardo Molinari who lies tied 101st with a 2 over, 74. The Italian, who was in the last group to complete the full 18 holes, wasn’t able to repeat the form that saw him clinch both last year’s title and Ryder Cup spot.

The large crowd at Gleneagles enjoyed a long day’s play with the fading light eventually ending proceedings at 20:20, nineteen groups will have to finish their rounds early Friday morning, which this year sees the introduction of ‘£5 Friday,’ an initiative allowing fans to enter The Johnnie Walker Championship for just five pounds on day two. The Gleneagles Hotel will donate all the revenue from on-the-day ticket sales to clubgolf – Scotland’s junior golf development programme.

Tickets are available at the course and at www.europeantourtickets.com Parking is free.

Scores Day 1 and Draw for Round 2
Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles
25th August, 2011

The draw has been made - download the full list here (pdf) and scores from day1

Live scores and more news at www.european.com

Players pleased with Gleneagles modifications
24th August, 2011

Tournament Chairman Colin Montgomerie leads the applause on modifications made to the host venue of Johnnie Walker Championship and the 2014 Ryder Cup

Pro-Am day at The Johnnie Walker Championship and Tournament Chairman, Colin Montgomerie, welcomed all the media to Gleneagles, and the 2010 European Ryder Cup captain lead the comment’s on a modified PGA Centenary Course.

Referring to changes made to the 7th, 12th and 14th on the advice of legendary Jack Nicklaus, Monty explained, “I've been talking to players and the changes have been very well received, especially the 7th. I think we have got that right now.”

“The 12th hole and the 14th hole have more definition than they have ever had before, so that's great. And the greens are firmer, that’s what we have been asking for and that has been duly received and the feedback from the players has been very good, very positive. With the new interior of the Dormy House, the new changes to the locker rooms and to the facilities for the players, I think that everything is as hunky dory as possible.”

Monty who admitted it has been difficult 5 weeks since not qualifying for The Open, sitting injured with a damaged Achilles stated his intention to not only compete, but to contend at this year’s Championship, “I have not played since The Scottish Open at Castle Stuart competitively. So I look forward to competing and contending.”

Paired with Jose Maria Olazabal and Thongchai for his opening two rounds, Monty is looking forward to chatting with his successor of the Ryder Cup captaincy.

“It's great that Olazábal is playing. I'm playing with him, surprise, surprise, the first two days, and I look forward to that, always do, playing with him. No doubt we'll have a chat on the way around.”

Another player with his own injury problems is Montgomerie’s compatriot, Paul Lawrie. Lawrie who hasn’t played competitively since The Open due to back problems and is looking forward to getting his game back on track, “It's been a little difficult this last little while but I've had five weeks off and I feel refreshed and my back has been good and looking forward to this week”, he explained.

Lawrie has done well around the PGA Centenary Course in the past and has heard good things about the modifications to the course as it builds to be host venue of the 2014 Ryder Cup, “I have not been out there yet but I think the 7th green has been changed again, and everyone is saying how much better it is, so that's a positive step forward. I think in two or three years' time, the place will be ready, there's no question, it's going to be a great venue and it's going to be a good Ryder Cup here.”

With Lawrie’s win at the 1999 Open Championship in Carnoustie and his victory at the Dunhill Links in 2001, the Scot already has two big wins in Scotland and when asked if the Johnnie Walker Championship would be a nice one to add to the collection, Lawrie duly agreed, “It would be. I had a good finish here a couple of years ago, finished third and had a chance to win on last day to win, and Peter Hedblom played very well down the stretch and made a few birdies coming in and was a good winner and played lovely. There's not much you can do when you play well and someone better, they deserve to win, so looking forward to it.”

Defending champion, Edoardo Molinari who describes his victory last year as the most special week of his golfing career is looking forward to defending his title, “I played 18 holes yesterday in the afternoon. Obviously I have great memories from last year. I really like the course, It's a course that sets up to my eye really well,” said the Italian. “I have been hitting the ball very well lately, probably the best I've ever hit the ball in my career. My putting hasn't been working, so I've been trying a few things with putting and hopefully things start solid for this week.”

Molinari has been put up in one of the Gleneagles Hotels finest rooms and admits that it is one of the best rooms he has ever stayed in, the 30 year old also paid compliments to the latest rework of 7th hole at The PGA Centenary Course, “I think it's a great change, because last year that hole was a great tee shot, and then once you hit the tee shot on the fairway, you just hit the second shot on the right and it would have gone down on the green. This year, there are at least four, five, six good pin positions. You can use the right side of the green but there’s also a very good pin short left.”

Play at The Johnnie Walker Championship gets underway at 07:30 on Thursday and this year sees the introduction of £5 Friday with all proceeds going to club golf from Friday’s ticket sales. Tickets are available at the course and at www.europeantourtickets.com Parking is free.

Draw for Rounds 1 and 2
Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles
revised 24th August, 2011

The draw has been made - download the full list here (pdf)

Scotsmen keen to get started
23rd August, 2011

Gallacher and Jamieson look forward to the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles

Scotland’s second highest ranked golfer, Stephen Gallacher, goes into this week’s Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles with his eyes firmly on the prize and with the added benefit of knowing that he will make his World Cup debut in China later this year.

In a pre-tournament press conference Gallacher told the media that he received the confirmation via text last Wednesday night, “Yeah, I got a text from Martin Laird telling me he had picked me for the World Cup. He just said that he's looking forward to going to China with me” said Gallacher. Sitting at No 26 in the World, Laird claimed Scotland’s World Cup spot and it seems the Scots are already thinking about the finer details of the competition, “As long as I don't need to be in white trousers, I'm your man” Gallacher told Laird on hearing the news, “He's a bit skinnier and leaner than me. I'll need to be pushing for the navy that week” explained the Scotsman.

Gallacher admits he is looking forward to getting the chance to emulate Colin Montgomerie and Marc Warren after they recorded Scotland's first World Cup win in 2007.

“It's obviously a great honour any time you can represent your country, especially being every two years now, it gives it that bit more sort of an edge to it. As you can see by some of the other teams that are playing in it, it's a strongly contested week. Scotland has been doing pretty well in it and I’m looking forward to it.”

Gallacher who finished tied 14th at last year’s Championship and is enjoying the unique luxury of staying at home for the tournament week is ready to go and is relishing the home support.

“Obviously any time you are playing in Scotland, it gives it that bit of an edge for the Scottish players. It's got an added value to the tournament. You want to win on your home soil in front of your home crowd. It's a course I like and enjoy playing as well and staying at home as well, which like is a breath of fresh air, too. Everything is positive and I just want to do really well and get it started.”

Another Scot who plans to be in contention come the weekend is Scott Jamieson, the 27 year old has been in great form, with top three finishes in Spain Germany and Scotland this year, a season Jamieson is very happy with, “it's been a fantastic first year. You know, a lot of people have asked me if it's been beyond my expectations and stuff. I wouldn't say it's beyond expectations, but I'm always the type of player that has to get close to having a good result or winning before maybe actually stepping over the line.”

Jamieson has never played at Gleneagles before but is hoping the home support will help matters when play gets underway on Thursday, explaining, “Playing at home is obviously very fun, and hopefully I will get the help of the home crowd. After doing well at the Scottish Open, it would be nice to do even better than that.”

The Johnnie Walker Championship gets underway on Thursday morning, with play starting at 07:30, defending champion Edoardo Molinari tees off at 13:00 and is joined by Dane Thomas Bjorn and Pablo Larrazabal from Spain. Old and current Ryder Cup captains, Colin Montgomerie and Jose Maria Olzabal are joined by Thongchai Jaidee in their three ball that goes out at 13:20. For a full list of tee times for round one please see above.

The 2011 Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles will again be broadcast on Sky Sports and will be played at Gleneagles PGA Centenary Course from August 25-28.

As the venue for the Johnnie Walker Championship and the Host Venue for the 2014 Ryder Cup, The Gleneagles Hotel is one of the strongest supporters of golf in Scotland. That support is being increased this year with the introduction of ‘£5 Friday’ during the week of the Johnnie Walker Championship. Gleneagles will donate all the revenue from on-the-day ticket sales to clubgolf – Scotland’s junior golf development programme.

Tickets are available at the course and at www.europeantourtickets.com

Parking is free

Field set for the 2011 Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles

17th August, 2011

Entries have now closed for the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles with defending Champion Edoardo Molinari heading the field of 156 players that will do battle over The PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles, Scotland, 25th to 28th August, 2011.

The field boasts over 220 European Tour titles between them and illustrating the international nature of the European Tour, 25 nations are represented. Last year’s champion will be joined by his brother and Ryder Cup team mate, Francesco, who is keen to recreate some of the form his sibling produced in Scotland last year.

Edoardo and Francesco Molinari at the 2010 Johnnie Wlaker Championship
Edoardo and Francesco Molinari

“So far Edoardo has had all the success in Scotland and I am keen to follow his example this year. We’ve won a number of tournaments between us but have yet to win the same title and that’s what I’ll be aiming for this week,” said Francesco.

Edoardo who was paired with Francesco in the final round of both his 2010 victories in Scotland, The Barclays Scottish Open and The Johnnie Walker Championship is looking forward to defending his title, “Defending the title is a big priority, it’s a great Championship and I really like the course which will be a great venue for the 2014 Ryder Cup” said Molinari, “I like playing in Scotland and I’m sure the Scottish crowds will be unbelievable to me again, like last year. They are the most knowledgeable crowd that we play in front of.”

2010 European Ryder Cup captain, Colin Montgomerie who has been sidelined by an Achilles injury in recent weeks will be looking to find the form that saw him lead early in the final round at the 2011 Scottish Open. Monty said, “I’m eager to get playing again so it’s with great excitement that I look forward to the start of the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles. I’m currently 92nd in the European Tour Race to Dubai and want to make it into the season-ending event so need a good finish in front of my home fans to move back into the top 60 of the rankings.” Joining the Scot will be two of his victorious vice captains, Thomas Bjorn and Paul McGinley as well as his successor José María Olazábal, who will be keeping a close eye on the leader board.

Graeme Marchbank, Head of Corporate Sponsorship, Diageo, added, “We are really looking forward to this year’s Championship especially as we have one eye on 2014 as we are now the next European venue for the Ryder Cup. With just over a week to go all our preparations are going well and we feel everything is in place for our best Championships to date.”

The 2011 Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles will again be broadcast on Sky Sports and will be played on the Gleneagles PGA Centenary Course from August 25-28.

As the venue for the Johnnie Walker Championship and the Host Venue for the 2014 Ryder Cup, The Gleneagles Hotel is one of the strongest supporters of golf in Scotland. That support is being increased this year with the introduction of ‘£5 Friday’ during the week of the Johnnie Walker Championship. Gleneagles will donate all the revenue from on-the-day ticket sales to clubgolf – Scotland’s junior golf development programme.

Tickets are available at the course and at www.europeantourtickets.com Parking is free. For full details on the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles visit www.johnniewalkerchampionship.com; for further details on The Gleneagles Hotel, visit www.gleneagles.com

Further information:

Johnnie Walker Championship & The Gleneagles Hotel
Elaine Howie PR Ltd
Tel: +44 (0) 131 622 3113 or +44 (0) 7720 442 881
Email: elaine@elainehowiepr.co.uk

IMG
Robin Spring and Michele Mair
Tel: +44 (0) 208 2336038
Fax: +44 (0)2082335268
Email: michele.mair@imgworld.com

European Tour:
Tel: +44 (0) 1344 840400
Fax: +44 (0) 1344 840444
Email: media@europeantour.com

About Diageo

Diageo is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, beer and wine. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Windsor, Buchanan’s and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Jose Cuervo, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, with its products sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit www.DRINKiQ.com
Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

About IMG
IMG Worldwide is a global sports, entertainment and media business, with nearly 3,000 employees operating in 30 countries around the globe. IMG’s areas of expertise are diverse and wide ranging: IMG College is the leader in collegiate marketing, licensing and media rights. IMG’s Joint Ventures, IMG Reliance, IMX and IMG CCTV, in the emerging markets of India, Brazil and China, offer the company significant long-term growth opportunities. IMG Media is the world’s largest independent producer and distributor of sports programming. IMG Events and Federations owns and manages some of the most sought after events and includes long standing associations with the world’s most important sports organizations, leagues, and federations. IMG Fashion owns and operates fashion events around the world and IMG Models represents the world’s top models and leading designers and IMG Art+Commerce represents the most influential photographers, art directors and stylists. For the past 50 years IMG Clients has been the global leader in talent representation, including over 1,000 elite athletes, coaches, industry executives and prestigious sports organizations across the sports, entertainment, fashion and media industries. IMG Academies is the world’s largest and most advanced multi-sport training and educational facility delivering sports training experiences to more than 12,000 dedicated athletes from approximately 80 countries every year. IMG Consulting connects many of the world’s leading brands with consumers through access to unique sports and entertainment properties. IMG Licensing is considered one of the premier independent licensing companies in the sports, entertainment and media world. More information is available at www.imgworld.com

top

Local talent look to make their mark at Gleneagles

Friday 12th August, 2011

Eight of Scotland’s leading PGA professionals will look to hit the headlines later this month when they take part in the £1.4 million, Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles 25-28 August.

Among them will be 33 year old, Chris Doak from Greenock, who was flying high at Gleneagles back in October 2010 as he captured the Scottish PGA Championship in a drama-packed play-off over the King's course. On capturing the title Doak automatically qualified for the Johnnie Walker Championship and will be joined by the leading 7 Scottish Professionals from the 2010 Scottish Region PGA Order of merit; Greig Hutcheon, Craig Lee, Jason McCreadie, Scott Henderson, Paul McKechnie, Gareth Wright and David Patrick.

Chris Doak from Greenock
Chris Doak from Greenock

Doak who held a European Tour card in 2009 and currently plays full time on the Challenge Tour is looking forward to teeing it up amongst a 156 man stellar field over The PGA Centenary Course, which includes fellow Scots Colin Montgomerie, Stephen Gallacher and Paul Lawrie, who incidentally won the Scottish PGA Championship back in 2005.

Doak said, “Gleneagles is a special place and holds great memories for me, my second round of the Scottish PGA Championship over the King’s course was probably the best of my career and I hope I can stamp my authority over The PGA Centenary Course this time round. It will be great to play in such a fantastic tournament and I hope I can be there or thereabouts come the weekend.”

Three times Scottish PGA Order of Merit winner, Greig Hutcheon, who currently leads the 2011 standings, heads to Gleneagles after a run of stunning form which has seen the Banchory player make the cut in three European Tour events - the PGA Championship, Scottish and Wales Open - and notching up four Tartan Tour triumphs.

Hutcheon, who recently earned an invite for the Barclays Scottish Open at Castle Stuart, finishing a respectable tied 49th, has admitted his recent good form is enticing him to try and regain his European Tour card. "I have looked at the qualifying situation and I think I probably should give it another go. I think if you can make the cuts that I did at Castle Stuart, Wentworth and Wales then you can make a very decent living from it."

Another player who may have similar thoughts is Paul McKechnie, the Braid Hills' man's consistency in 2011 has been outstanding, with his latest and seventh Tartan tour victory coming at Turriff Golf Club. It was also his 19th top-five finish and his 25th top-10 placing this year on the PGA Scotland domestic circuit. McKechnie is keen to make his mark at Gleneagles, “It’s a great course and has a deep history so of course I want to play well, it would be a shame to walk away from the 2014 Ryder Cup course not having giving it your best shot so I’m certainly aiming high”

“I know the Scottish crowds will be fantastic as always and that is something that will really spur me on, a lot of my family, friends and fellow Braid Hill members will be there so I’m sure it will be a great four days“ McKechnie explained.

The 2011 Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles will again be broadcast on Sky Sports and will be played at Gleneagles PGA Centenary Course from August 25-28.

As the venue for the Johnnie Walker Championship and the Host Venue for the 2014 Ryder Cup, The Gleneagles Hotel is one of the strongest supporters of golf in Scotland. That support is being increased this year with the introduction of ‘£5 Friday’ during the week of the Johnnie Walker Championship. The Gleneagles Hotel will donate all the revenue from on-the-day ticket sales to clubgolf – Scotland’s junior golf development programme.

Tickets are available at the course and at www.europeantourtickets.com Parking is free. For full details on the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles visit www.johnniewalkerchampionship.com; for further details on The Gleneagles Hotel, visit www.gleneagles.com

Notes to Editors:

2010 Scottish Region PGA Order of Merit:
Greig Hutcheon (Banchory) 802.5pts
Craig Lee (Aspire Golf Centre) 735
Chris Doak (unattached), 731.25
Jason McCreadie (Buchanan Castle) 610.36
Scott Henderson (King's Links, Aberdeen) 592.86
Paul McKechnie (Braid Hills, Edin) 592.5
Gareth Wright (West Linton) 588.13
David Patrick (Elie Golf Centre) 567.5

Greig Hutcheon – Three time Scottish Order of Merit winner, and currently leading the way in 2011. Has played three European Tour events in 2011 as a result of winning PGA Play-offs last year, making the cut at all three (PGA at Wentworth, Wales Open and Scottish Open)

Craig Lee – Held European Tour Card in 2008. Like Doak is a member of Team Hydro and is playing full time on Challenge Tour. Has played once in Scotland this year, winning the 36 Hole Deer Park Order of Merit event. Finished 2nd in the co-sanctioned European / Challange Tour event at St Omer and is currently 6th in the Challenge Tour Money List

Jason McCreadie – Scottish PGA Champion 2008

Paul McKechnie – Currently leading the Money List in Scotland having won seven times on the Tartan Tour in 2011. (see also paulmckechniegolf.com)

Scott Henderson – 1997 European Tour Rookie of the Year. Scottish PGA Order of Merit winner 2003 & 2004

Gareth Wright – Son of Ian Wright, PGA Professional at West Linton GC. In third year as a trainee. Runner-up in Scottish PGA Championships in 2010, losing to Doak in a play-off

David Patrick – Former Walker Cup player. Has won Scottish Young Professionals Championship and Order of Merit for the past two years. In third year as a trainee.

top

2014 Hopefuls Must Step Up At Gleneagles Says Monty

21 July 2011

Colin Montgomerie has sent out a message to all golf fans ahead of the 2011 Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles 25th - 28th August. The victorious 2010 European Ryder Cup Captain has warned fans to keep a keen eye on any Europeans that prove they have what it takes to conquer the PGA Centenary Course, as the host course for the 2014 Ryder Cup.

Montgomerie hopes that, when the Ryder Cup comes to his homeland, Europe will be defending the trophy won under the captaincy of Jose Maria Olazábal in 2012 and already the 48 year old Scot is thinking about what might be, come 2014.

“It will be interesting to see who plays well at the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles as it may answer some of the questions as to who will make the 2014 team. Just look back at Graeme McDowell last year, with his win at the Wales Open over the Twenty Ten Course at Celtic Manor, he went on to play a pivotal role in my team as everyone knows. Showing you play well on a Ryder Cup course is very important and this tournament presents a great opportunity for Europeans to do just that.”

Europeans who will be looking to lay down a marker come the 25th August will include reigning champion Edoardo Molinari who’s heroics at the 2010 Johnnie Walker Championship secured him a place in Monty’s team, along with fellow teammates Ross Fisher and Peter Hanson who will also be looking to impress. Simon Dyson and Ross McGowan who narrowly missed out on a 2010 Ryder Cup spot and one of Montgomerie’s vice captains and recent Qatar Masters Champion, Thomas Bjorn who has experienced a resurgence in form this season.

“It’s exciting to think that in 3 years time the 2014 Ryder Cup will be coming to Gleneagles,” said reigning champion, Molinari , “It will certainly be in the back of my mind come Thursday when I tee off at the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles. It is a special course and tournament for me because that is where I secured my Ryder Cup place last season and another good performance there would hopefully put me at the front of our future captain’s mind. Playing an important part of the European Ryder Cup team was a dream I have now fulfilled but it has only spurred me on to achieve more.”

Leading the Scottish challenge along with Montgomerie when the tournament gets underway in late August, will be a whole host of fellow countrymen, including, 1999 Open Champion Paul Lawrie, Marc Warren, Stephen Gallacher and also 28 year old Richie Ramsay, the Aberdonian is keen to put on a good performance in front of the home fans.

“I’m really looking forward to this year’s Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles,” said Ramsay, "to win in front of your home fans on a course that will host the Ryder Cup would be awesome, and of course it wouldn't hurt to impress the future captain either. I really like the PGA Centenary Course and I was very happy when it was awarded the 2014 Ryder Cup."

The 2011 Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles will again be broadcast on Sky Sports and will be played at Gleneagles PGA Centenary Course from August 25-28.

As the venue for the Johnnie Walker Championship and the Host Venue for the 2014 Ryder Cup, The Gleneagles Hotel is one of the strongest supporters of golf in Scotland. That support is being increased this year with the introduction of ‘£5 Friday’ during the week of the Johnnie Walker Championship. Gleneagles will donate all the revenue from on-the-day ticket sales to clubgolf – Scotland’s junior golf development programme.

Tickets are available at the course and at www.europeantourtickets.com Parking is free. For full details on the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles visit www.johnniewalkerchampionship.com; for further details on The Gleneagles Hotel, visit www.gleneagles.com

top

Johnnie Walker Championship Hole In One Weekend

11 July 2011

The summer months see keen club golfers across Scotland take to the fairways at their local courses. Many will achieve a personal best and reduce their handicap while returning a winning score and perhaps even a hole in one.

Organisers of the Johnnie Walker Championship are this year offering all those who achieve that illusive hole in one over the weekend of The Open Championship the opportunity to celebrate. Each player who submits a scorecard verified by the Club Secretary will receive four complementary season tickets for the winner and three friends to visit the European Tour event at Gleneagles at the end of August (25-28). Victorious Ryder Cup Captain Colin Montgomerie is the Championship Chairman, he will lead a field which also includes Ryder Cup player and defending Champion Edoardo Molinari and 2007 winner Marc Warren.

To qualify,

Tournament Director, Graeme Marchbank, said: ‘Johnnie Walker has long been a supporter of both golf and Scotland. The weekend of The Open Championship is one of the most exciting for professional golfers and we’re adding this incentive for club players in a year when it is not taking place here in Scotland.

'You may not play like Monty or Molinari, however scoring a hole-in-one is a great achievement any golfer and one that deserves to be celebrated. What better way to do just that than with a group of friends while enjoying the opportunity to see some of the world’s leading golfers here in Scotland as they tackle the challenges of The PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles, the host venue for the 2014 Ryder Cup.'

Past Champion Marc Warren is also an Ambassador for the event. He added: ‘The Gleneagles setting for the Johnnie Walker Championship is one of the most picturesque we enjoy as professionals, this is a great opportunity for spectators to enjoy the views without having to focus on their own score! I wish every golfer playing in their own Club competition on July 16/17 good luck. I look forward to all the hole in one winners joining the galleries in August.’

Send confirmation to mail@elainehowiepr.co.uk

-ends-

Further information:

Elaine Howie PR Ltd
01310-622 3113 07720 442 881
elaine@elainehowiepr.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

top

£5 Friday for the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles

Monday 4th July, 2011

As the venue for the Johnnie Walker Championship and the Host Venue for the 2014 Ryder Cup, The Gleneagles Hotel is one of the strongest supporters of golf in Scotland. That support is being increased this year with the introduction of ‘£5 Friday’ during the week of the Johnnie Walker Championship. Gleneagles will donate all the revenue from on-the-day ticket sales to clubgolf – Scotland’s junior golf development programme.

Patrick Elsmie, Managing Director of the AA Five Star resort, said: ‘We regularly welcome golfers of all levels to Gleneagles, including aspiring junior players. It is important to us that, as a high profile golfing venue in the home of golf and the Host Venue for the 2014 Ryder Cup, we help to create opportunities for the next generation of players and this support for clubgolf allows us to do that.

‘The Johnnie Walker Championship is a tremendous tournament and enjoys great support from players and spectators alike. By taking this initiative with the ticket price we hope that many more spectators will come to the event, enjoy a great golfing spectacle and the magnificent setting here in Perthshire while supporting the development of the game in Scotland.’

Jackie Davidson, clubgolf Manager, said: ‘We are delighted that The Gleneagles Hotel has created £5 Friday as a further commitment to clubgolf.

‘Gleneagles already makes a huge impact in our programme through its fabulous opportunities for our young players. Thousands of clubgolfers benefit from coaching clinics every year at the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles. Many more take up the offer of tee times on the Wee Course throughout the season.

‘Donating the proceeds of ‘£5 Friday’ ticket sales to clubgolf will enable us to invest further in the clubgolf programme and reach our ambitious targets in clubs and schools, ensuring clubgolf leaves a lasting legacy beyond the 2014 Ryder Cup.’

Tickets are available at the course and at www.europeantourtickets.com Parking is free.For further details on The Gleneagles Hotel, visit www.gleneagles.com

-ends-

Further information:
For The Gleneagles Hotel and Johnnie Walker Championship
Elaine Howie PR Ltd
0131-622 3113
elaine@elainehowiepr.co.uk

For clubgolf
Jackie Davidson,
clubgolf manager,
jdavidson@clubgolfscotland.co.uk
07921 606 472

top

Edoardo Molinari to defend Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles

22nd June 2011: Edoardo Molinari joins past champions Gregory Havret, Marc Warren and Soren Kjeldsen to defend his title

Edoardo Molinari, the 2010 Champion, has confirmed he will play in the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles, 25th to 28th August 2011, he will be looking to win his second Championship along with previous Champions Soren Kjeldsen (2003), Marc Warren (2007) and Gregory Havret (2008) who have also confirmed their entry.

Under enormous pressure as he sought to catch the eye of European Ryder Cup Captain, Colin Montgomerie, Molinari had one of the year’s best finishes when he birdied the last three holes to win the 2010 Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles, cementing his place as one of the 2010 Ryder Cup European wildcard picks.

Asked about his upcoming trip to Scotland, Molinari said: “I am really looking forward to returning to Gleneagles to defend my Johnnie Walker Championship title. The race for a Ryder Cup place made last year’s event so special. To be able to deliver with so much pressure means Gleneagles will always be very special to me. Hopefully I’ll be in the 2014 European Ryder Cup there; it is definitely one of my goals”.

“It’s a fantastic course and a tournament that has built a global reputation; I know it will be difficult to defend my title with so many great golfers in the field, but I will give it my best shot” said the 2010 champion who finished 10th in last year’s order of merit.

The 2011 Johnnie Walker Championship will see another great field assembled for a tournament in Scotland, ‘the home of golf’, with the defending champion joining international stars, Jeev Milkha Singh, Thomas Bjorn, Thongchai Jaidee and Scotland’s very own Paul Lawrie, Stephen Gallacher and 2007 Champion Marc Warren.

Warren who won on the second hole of a sudden death playoff in 2007 has a good record at Gleneagles and is looking forward to this year’s event, “I shot a 68 in the first round last year and it was great to see my name up on the leader board of this prestigious tournament again, hopefully this time round I can keep it up there right to the end.”

Gleneagles has a proud history of staging major sporting events and in 2014 this reputation will be in the spotlight like never before as Gleneagles hosts the 40th Ryder Cup. It will be the first time in more than four decades that the Ryder Cup has been staged in Scotland.

The 2011 Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles will again be broadcast on Sky Sports and will be played at The PGA Centenary Course from August 25-28.
Tickets for the Johnnie Walker Championship are priced from £22 for a daily ticket to £45 for a season ticket and are available at the gate. Normal concessions apply. Car parking is free. For full details please visit www.europeantourtickets.com

Further information:

Johnnie Walker Championship & The Gleneagles Hotel
Elaine Howie PR Ltd
Tel: +44 (0) 131 622 3113 or +44 (0) 7720 442 881
Email: elaine@elainehowiepr.co.uk

IMG
Robin Spring and Michele Mair
Tel : +44 (0) 208 2336038
Fax: +44 (0)2082335268
Email: michele.mair@imgworld.com

European Tour:
Tel: +44 (0) 1344 840400
Fax: +44 (0) 1344 840444
Email: media@europeantour.com

About Diageo
Diageo is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, beer and wine. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Windsor, Buchanan’s and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Jose Cuervo, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, with its products sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

About IMG
 IMG Worldwide is a global sports, entertainment and media business, with nearly 3,000 employees operating in 30 countries around the globe. IMG’s areas of expertise are diverse and wide ranging: IMG College is the leader in collegiate marketing, licensing and media rights. IMG’s Joint Ventures, IMG Reliance, IMX and IMG CCTV, in the emerging markets of India, Brazil and China, offer the company significant long-term growth opportunities. IMG Media is the world’s largest independent producer and distributor of sports programming. IMG Events and Federations owns and manages some of the most sought after events and includes long standing associations with the world’s most important sports organizations, leagues, and federations. IMG Fashion owns and operates fashion events around the world and IMG Models represents the world’s top models and leading designers and IMG Art+Commerce represents the most influential photographers, art directors and stylists. For the past 50 years IMG Clients has been the global leader in talent representation, including over 1,000 elite athletes, coaches, industry executives and prestigious sports organizations across the sports, entertainment, fashion and media industries. IMG Academies is the world’s largest and most advanced multi-sport training and educational facility delivering sports training experiences to more than 12,000 dedicated athletes from approximately 80 countries every year. IMG Consulting connects many of the world’s leading brands with consumers through access to unique sports and entertainment properties. IMG Licensing is considered one of the premier independent licensing companies in the sports, entertainment and media world.

More information is available at www.imgworld.com.

top

Colin Montgomerie officially opens reburbished Dormy at Gleneagles
13th June, 2011

Colin Montgomerie today (Monday 13th June, 2011) unveiled a plaque to mark the official reopening of The Dormy Clubhouse at Gleneagles.

Dormy Opening

The £3m refurbishment is part of an on-going development programme for Gleneagles and follows the £18m investment since 2007 – ensuring that the facilities remain at the forefront of the luxury hotel industry. It also represents the completion of the next stage in the five star resort’s preparation to host the Ryder Cup matches in 2014.

The victorious 2010 Ryder Cup Captain who lives in Perthshire, said: ‘‘As a player and Chairman of the Johnnie Walker Championship, I am very familiar with Gleneagles and the on-going plans to host the 2014 Ryder Cup matches. As a former Ryder Cup Captain I know exactly what facilities are required. This newly refurbished Dormy Clubhouse offers everything a player at any level could need, including magnificent views.’

The design of the refurbished Dormy Clubhouse was undertaken by Sedley Place in London and includes the introduction of The Mitchell Room – named after Abe Mitchell, the first player-captain of the GB team in the International Match played at Gleneagles in 1921 - the forerunner Ryder Cup - and ‘the man on the Ryder Cup’ . This room, which will be available for meeting hire, boasts unique views across the 18th green of both the King’s and Queen’s Courses. Other features include:

-ends-

Further information:
Elaine Howie PR Ltd
0131-622 3113 or 07720 442 881
elaine@elainehowiepr.co.uk

Note to Editors:
*Porte-cochère – is ‘carriage gateway’ in French

top

Edoardo Molinari birdied the last three holes to win the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles
29th August, 2010

Edoardo MolinariEdoardo Molinari birdied the last three holes to win the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles.

The 29 year old Italian was two behind Australian Brett Rumford with three holes to play.

He then two-putted the long 16th, sank a curling 30 footer at the 194 yard 17th and then hit a chip to within 18 inches of the final hole.

“Playing on 16, I thought I was one behind, and I had two par fives to play and thought that I still had a chance to win the tournament if I make two birdies in the last three,” said Molinari.

“So I was playing very well and I knew I could do it and when I got on to the 16th tee and hit a great second shot I thought I had a great possibility.

“I knew I had to do two birdies on the last three at least to tie him and I had a big putt on 16, I think that was very important. And I hit it safely on the green on 17, and just before I hit the putt, Colin, my caddie told me I was owed a putt, because I hit a lot of good putts today that didn't go in, and he was right, because it went right in the divot and it was a difficult putt, as well.

“And then playing the last, I played a nice second shot, and made a great chip, again. Colin, he is the winner this week, not me, because we spent probably more time this week on the chipping than in the last six months. I started working with him three tournaments ago, at Bridgestone in the States, and I think he's the best caddie.”

Molinari, who won the Barclays Scottish Open and with his brother Francesco gave Italy their first-ever Omega Mission Hills World Cup victory last year, was then left to wait to see if he would receive one of Captain Colin Montgomerie’s Ryder Cup wildcards.

Molinari's latest triumph, which left him an agonising one point short of gaining automatic selection off the world points list, came with a one under par 71 in the windy conditions.

In the past year the Turin golfer has climbed from The Challenge Tour into the top 20 of The Official World Golf Ranking, took the €282,773 first prize with a ten under par total of 278.

Rumford was second and then two shots further back were Spaniard Miguel Angel Jiménez, Welshman Jamie Donaldson and Molinari's brother, who had been the overnight leader and was still in with a chance until he closed with a bogey six.

Jiménez and Swede Peter Hanson were able to start celebrating without waiting for Captain Montgomerie's decision an hour later.

They did what they had to do to clinch the final two automatic spots for The Celtic Manor Resort on October 1-3, while Simon Dyson, who began the week hoping that a win would get him into the side, finished sixth.

Jiménez needed a top nine finish to make sure and was joint third, while Hanson required top 43 and was 19th.

top

Behind the scenes

Want to know what effort really goes into mounting a tournament like this Johnnie Walker Championship?

Then think iceberg. What you see all around you, the course, the hotel, the tented village represents about one tenth of the activity involved in mounting such a prestigious event.

Around 100 people are directly concerned with the setting up and maintenance of this championship, but add on the hotel staff and others who contribute to its smooth running and the total number comes to well over 600.

Heading up this team in Graeme Marchbank, Events and Sponsorship Manager, Diageo. For four years now Marchbank has been officially connected to this grand estate, but really Gleneagles has been embroidered into his life – his father Ian was the golf professional for 30 years.

‘I couldn't work at a better place or with a better team,’ he says. ‘The Johnnie Walker Championship lasts a week but the planning of it, the worrying about it, covers at least 10 months a year.

‘But it's fun and hugely satisfying. It’s no problem motivating people to work very hard to put on a good show. Everyone, no matter what their involvement, enjoys the 'hit' we all get from staging it and seeing it grow more successful each year.

‘If there is a problem, it is the days immediately after the championship that can be hard for those of us who have been running off adrenalin and working 25 hours a day leading up to it. That's the really difficult bit.’

And then there is the occasional drama. Like the night the big wind blew in, smacked the doors open on all the marquees and threatened to lift the hospitality units into a leaden sky.

The weather is a worry because in Scotland, as you may have noticed, spring sometimes doesn't arrive until what is technically mid-summer and even then it occasionally comes with a hint of winter about it.

The problem here is encouraging the sort of growth in the ground that allows Gleneagles’ expert greenkeeping staff to prepare a course worthy of some of Europe's finest golfers. Somehow, no matter what perverse nature decides, they manage this trick wonderfully well.

top

DRINKAWARE
copyright © Diageo plc 2011