The Asian Tour will visit Scotland for the first time as part of its UK summer swing.
The Torrance Course at Fairmont St Andrews has been revealed as the second of this year’s UK-based International Series events, following last month’s announcement that Newcastle’s Close House would also host a tournament. The tournament will take place between 24 and 27 August with the St Andrews Bay Championship, the sixth International Series event of the Asian Tour season.
The Sam Torrance-designed course is a 7,320 yard affair set among 520 acres of coastline boasting stunning views of St Andrews Bay. It is known for its deep bunkers and large greens and is ranked one of the courses between 101 and 200 in the UK and Ireland in 2023/24 by Golf Monthly.
It has previously hosted high-profile events including on the European Seniors Tour, DP Tour and Open Qualifying. The most recent of those was last July’s Hero Open on the DP World Tour, which saw Sean Crocker claim a stunning win.
Head of Golf and Estates at Fairmont St Andrews, Callum Nicoll said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be staging another world class event at Fairmont St Andrews, and to be making history as the first Scottish host for the distinguished Asian Tour."
He also explained that the course will provide a suitable challenge for a field that will compete for a purse of at least $1.5m in a tournament that can help players secure entry to the 2024 LIV Golf League. He said: “The Torrance course offers a challenging test for the players this summer, blending the principles of links golf with a more modern style. The Torrance will test the short and long game whilst the risk-reward design provides numerous options both off the tee and for approach shots to the green.
“The elevated nature of The International Series with generous purses, strong international fields, and the reward of a place for the Series winner in next year’s LIV Golf League all makes for a very exciting tournament in the summer.”
Commissioner & CEO of the Asian Tour Cho Minn Thant was equally enthusiastic that Scotland will host one of the 10 International Series tournament this year. He said: “There are few greater experiences in golf than playing in Scotland. It is widely known that Scotland’s golf fans are among the most knowledgeable fans anywhere in the world and our players are really looking forward to teeing it up at a venue that is linked to the origins of the game as we know it. It is a true privilege."
Meanwhile, Head of The International Series Rahul Singh said: “The St Andrews Bay Championship will provide The International Series with an incredible opportunity to visit the ultimate golfing destination, St Andrews, Scotland, and we thank Fairmont St Andrews for helping to make this possible.”
The player who finishes top of the International Series Order of Merit will gain automatic entry to next year's highly lucrative LIV Golf League. Former US Amateur champion Andy Ogletree currently leads the way.
