Amazing to think that it is only six years ago that a half dozen of us went out with stakes to try and restore Old Tom's masterpiece.
Askernish Open becomes biggest golf tournament in the North of Scotland
Askernish Golf Club on South Uist hosted the Askernish Open Weekend on August 24th, 25th and 26th. The three day event saw competitors play over 253 rounds of golf, with over 120 competitors entered into the Saturday competition alone.
The Askernish Open is now the largest Open Golf Competition in the North of Scotland, as well as being one of the remotest. With many competitors already booking their spaces for 2013, the competition will continue to generate a significant boost to the local economy, as well as be one of the most enjoyable events in the golfing calendar.
Players came from all across the UK, as well as North America and Finland to play in the weekend, with many returning after entering the competition in previous years and the Finnish team being particularly keen to defend their 2011 win in the Sunday competition.
The continued growth in participation demonstrates the high regard in which the course is held and the great loyalty many international golfers have to the course.
Ralph Thompson, Club Chairman, said, ‘This was the fifth competition held on the restored Askernish course and the renown of the both course and the hospitality of South Uist continues to grow. We are fortunate to receive ongoing sponsorship from around the world to help fund continual improvement of this world class course and we are also hosting players from an ever expanding list of countries. Many competitors have already booked their place for next year and we expect the competition to be at full capacity in 2013.’
On Saturday 25th August the first Uist Shopping Experience took place alongside the Askernish Open, organised by Sṭras Uibhist. This proved to be a very successful event with 22 local arts, crafts, growers, bakers and makers taking up tables to sell their goods to golfers and other visitors.
The restored Askernish Golf Course is now making a significant contribution to the economy of South Uist and the Askernish Open is a major event both for South Uist and the Scottish Golfing calendar.