Dundonald Links to host 2017 Scottish Open

Dundonald Links has been confirmed as the venue for the 2017 Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open.

The course near Irvine in Ayrshire, which successfully staged the Ladies Scottish Open last year, is undergoing major renovation works with several greens expanded and three of them levelled in selected areas to increase options for pin positions.

A new clubhouse is also scheduled for completion at the end of 2016 before it hosts the Scottish Open for the first time.

European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley said: "We are delighted to announce that the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open will be staged at Dundonald Links in 2017.

"Following this year's tournament at Castle Stuart in the north, this will ensure that Scotland's national Open is showcased as widely as possible across the country.

"Special thanks go to our two partners in the Scottish Open - the title sponsors Aberdeen Asset Management, and the Scottish Government - whose joint vision and commitment to improve and expand this great tournament has enabled us to make this announcement.

"We also extend our gratitude to everyone at Dundonald Links for the work they have done at the golf club, and the work that they continue to do. I know all our members will look forward to the challenge the course will present to them next July."

Martin Gilbert, chief executive of Aberdeen Asset Management, added: "Since becoming title sponsors of the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open in 2012, it has been our ambition to complete the geographical spread of the tournament by taking it to Scotland's west coast following successful events at Castle Stuart, Royal Aberdeen and Gullane.

"We are therefore delighted with the announcement confirming the stunning Dundonald Links as the host venue in 2017."

US presidential candidate Donald Trump had previously claimed that the Scottish Open would be staged at his course near Aberdeen, stating in 2015: "The Scottish Open is coming. The Scottish Open wants to be here forever, they think this is the best course they've ever seen."