The current top three in the 2002 Volvo Order of Merit, Retief Goosen, Ernie Els and José Maria Olazábal, today confirmed that they are to play in The Barclays Scottish Open, which takes place at Loch Lomond Golf Club from 11- 14 July, 2002.
Retief Goosen, winner of the 2001 Volvo Order of Merit and second in the recent Masters Tournament at Augusta National, confirmed that he is to return to Loch Lomond in July to defend his title at The Barclays
Scottish Open.
Currently Number One in the 2002 Volvo Order of Merit and fourth in the World Ranking, Goosen sailed to victory at Loch Lomond last year, leading the tournament throughout the four days from his opening 62 to his final round of 71. He finished with a 16 under par total of 268 for the tournament, three strokes ahead of Denmark's Thomas Björn.
Goosen said: "I am very much looking forward to returning to Loch Lomond to defend The Barclays Scottish Open title. It was a really special win for me last year. I love playing at Loch Lomond - the golf course is
truly exceptional."
Fellow South African Els, who won at Loch Lomond in 2000 and finished tied fifth at Augusta National, has also confirmed his place in the £2.2m Barclays Scottish Open. Currently ranked Number Three in the world and second in the 2002 Volvo Order of Merit, Els has previously said that he considers Loch Lomond to be the best course in Europe.
Spain's José Maria Olazábal, who enjoyed his sixth US PGA Tour victory at the Buick Invitational in February this year, is to join Goosen and Els in the line up at Loch Lomond. Olazábal, the 1994 and 1999 Masters
Champion and fourth this season, is currently ranked 15th in the World Ranking and third in the 2002 Volvo Order of Merit.
