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Luke Donald triumphs at Castle Stuart


By Chris Saunderson

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THE World's number one golfer lived up to that status as he cruised to victory in the Barclays Scottish Open at Castle Stuart.

Donald went into the final round one shot adrift of co-leaders Graeme McDowell, Peter Whiteford and Scott Jamieson.

However, it was Donald who romped to victory with an oustanding nine under par round of 63.

Luke Donald celebrates his Barclays Scottish Open triumph at Castle Stuart.
Luke Donald celebrates his Barclays Scottish Open triumph at Castle Stuart.

His -19 total saw him win by four shots from Fred Andersson Hed who fired a course record 62 to propel himself up the leaderboard.

At one stage in the final round there were six players tied on 11 under par, however, Donald showed his class as he racked up nine birdies and no bogeys in a perfect round.

He said afterwards: "I holed the putts when I needed to and I felt very in control.

"It is nice to get another victory and the best way to prepare for The Open.

"I decided to play in Scotland this year because of the move to Castle Stuart."

Torrential rain on the Saturday had reduced the tournament to just 54 holes.

There was no play on Saturday as greenkeeping staff and volunteers worked desperately to clear the course of water and repair damage caused by a number of landslips.

Double the normal average rainfall for the month of July fell on the course near Inverness in the space of one day.

Over 16,000 fans watched the final round unfold.

They included Elgin Golf Club professional and former European Tour player Kevin Stables.

Kevin Stables
Kevin Stables

"Look at all these people, it is fantastic. I have played in a number of European Tour events, played on one Open and been to many others, and it just great to see this in the Highlands," he said.

Castle Stuart has a three year contract to stage the Barclays Scottish Open and Stables is convinced it can stay here longer if the players and sponsors like it as a venue.

"Links golf is the best preparation the week before the Open," he added.

Donald walked away with a cool cheque for £500,000 for his week's work and will now be many people's favourite for The Open at Royal St George's.


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