Martin Dempster: Meldrum House should keep Northern Open
It was a masterstroke when the decision was taken three years ago to open up places in one of the Tartan Tour’s flagship events to invited amateurs, helping them gain valuable experience competing against seasoned professionals.
From what I’ve seen, the professionals have gone out of their way to make the amateurs feel welcome, as was testified last week when Cawder’s Chris Kelly, a former Scottish PGA champion, and Scott Crichton, the amateur from Aberdour, were having a rare old chinwag coming down the last at Meldrum House.
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Hide AdMy understanding is that Aberdeen Asset Management were also keen to include a couple of female amateurs in this year’s field, but, for one reason or another, that was blocked by the Scottish Ladies Golfing Association. With the initial three-year deal now at an end, talks will take place soon to discuss the event’s future. Personally, I’d like to see the tournament continue to develop at Meldrum House.
To their credit, the club have spent a lot of money to improve drainage and the investment paid dividends as players enjoyed a course last week that was a lot drier underfoot than the vast majority they’ve visited this season.
Another reason I’d keep the Northern Open there for the time being is that playing a tough inland course can only help the players, professionals and amateurs, who are currently gearing up for the start of the European Tour Qualifying School.