Scots Open left seeking new sponsor

The European Tour are on the lookout for a new sponsor for the Scottish Open after Barclays ended their association with the tournament.

Barclays took on the sponsorship of the tournament in 2002 until this year – ten events in total – when world No.1 Luke Donald claimed the title thanks to a closing 63 at the competition’s new home of Castle Stuart, near Inverness.

The tournament will celebrate its 30th anniversary in July next year with organisers aiming for new sponsors to be on board.

European Tour chief executive George O’Grady said in a statement: “We thank Barclays for their vision and leadership.

“We respect and understand that their decision was based on market factors following a hugely successful partnership that has lasted almost a decade.

“We look forward to securing the future of the Scottish Open with a new sponsor.”

Tim Peat, managing director of Barclays Capital, added: “Barclays has been proud to be the title sponsor of the Scottish Open for the last decade.

“We made our decision reluctantly based on current market factors.”

Argentina’s Eduardo Romero won the first Barclays Scottish Open in 2002 at Loch Lomond and subsequent winners included Ernie Els, Martin Kaymer and Graeme McDowell.