Golf Central

It's the most wonderful time of the year... no, it's not Christmas. Better than that, in fact. It's that wonderful time of the year when the European Tour's finest all make their way up to Loch Lomond for one final knock before The Open. Great golf, great course, great scenery... and Hazel Irvine. Okay, scrap that last one...

1. A quick history lesson
The site we now know as Loch Lomond GC used to be occupied by Clan Colquhoun in ancient times, and Rossdu Mansion (which is used as the clubhouse) was constructed in 1773 by Sir James Colquhoun and designed by architect, John Baxter. Before you ask, Rossdhu is derived from the Scottish Gaelic ros dubh, which means Black Headland. Class dismissed...
2. Loch Lomond's not a bad track
Designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morish, Loch Lomond is currently the 45th best course in the world. Set in 600 acres of sheltered seclusion, the course is nestled comfortably between the mountains and historic lochside. Some fella named Colin Montgomerie said, 'wherever Loch Lomond is ranked, it ought to be higher.' It's a shame that you'd have to give an arm and a leg away to find out, because unless you receive an invitation to play, don't even think about ringing up to book a casual tee time.
3. A word from of our sponsor
Barclays Bank sponsor this week's stop on the European Tour, and have been sponsoring the event since 2002. As the name suggests, Barclays is a major global financial service provider, currently the 4th largest financial service provider in the world. The company's roots date back to 1690 in London, with the name dating back to 1736 when James Barclay, son-in-law of one of the founders became a partner in the business.
4. Those Yanks ain't got a chance
Since the tournament began in 1972, golfers from 12 countries have got their names on the trophy, Michael Allen and Tom Lehman being the only US golfers to have won it. South Africa are the true kings of the event, having won it on four occasions, Tim Clark being the last in 2005 and Ernie Els in 2003 and 2000. And those French have done well recently, what with Gregory Havret last year and Thomas Levet in 2004. Are there any Serbian golfers we can have a flutter on this week?
5. Loch Lomond: Home to lots of water
If we're not on the golf course, which is unlikely seeing as it cost us an arm and a leg to get on in the first place, we'll be wind-surfing and speed boating on the loch, singing some song called The Bonnie Banks Of Scotland, drinking loads of Loch Lomond Single Malt, looking for Groundskeeper Willie from The Simpsons and reading the poetry of Robert Burns.