Fred Couples has confirmed that he is to play in The 2003 Barclays Scottish Open, which takes place at Loch Lomond Golf Club from 10-13 July.
The 1992 Masters Tournament winner, who joins fellow Americans Ricky Barnes, Chad Campbell, Ben Crane, John Daly, Phil Mickelson, Jerry Pate, Tim Petrovic and John Rollins, will make his debut at Loch Lomond this year, having never previously played the course.
Couples said: "I have heard so many great things about Loch Lomond and about the tournament, that I am really looking forward to coming over to Scotland next month to experience the magic for myself."
Couples, who has 15 US PGA Tour victories to his name, has enjoyed a great year so far with victory in the Shell Houston Open in April and top ten finishes in the Nissan Open in February and The Players Championship in March. He is currently ranked 13th in the Money List on the US PGA Tour and is 27th in the Official World Ranking.
Campbell, Crane, Petrovic and Rollins are also set to make their debuts at Loch Lomond this year. Campbell is currently ranked 11th in the Money List on the US PGA Tour and has enjoyed five top ten finishes so far this season. Crane, who is ranked 32nd in the Money List secured his first US PGA Tour victory in April when he won the 2003 BellSouth Classic tournament. Petrovic, who was in contention at the recent US Open Championship, is ranked 36th in the Money List on the US PGA Tour. Rollins, who yesterday finished second in the Buick Classic after losing on the first hole of the play off to Jonathan Kaye, is ranked 24th in the Money List on the US PGA Tour.
News of Couples's decision to compete at Loch Lomond for the first time is expected to prompt bookings from golf fans who have not yet purchased tickets for the £2.2 million event. With the strongest international field playing in Europe this year, outside of the Open Championship, golf fans are guaranteed to see some outstanding world class action.
