Scottish Hydro Challenge has top field

A strong field is set to gather in the Highlands this week as Aviemore’s Spey Valley course plays host to the ninth edition of the Scottish Hydro Challenge.

Ryder Cup player Oliver Wilson, 2004 Volvo PGA champion Scott Drummond, and former European Tour winners Kenneth Ferrie, Stephen Dodd, Jeppe Huldahl and Rhys Davies are just some of the big names lining up to compete for the title which, last year, propelled Brooks Koepka on his way to international stardom.

The American romped to a three-shot win last season and has since sewn up his card for the PGA Tour after finishing tied for fourth at the US Open a fortnight ago.

Suffice to say the field assembling at Spey Valley would love to follow in the Floridian’s footsteps and win the Scottish Hydro Challenge.

‘Scottish fans will also have plenty to cheer, with no fewer than 23 home-based players in the starting line-up.’

This year sees a marked increase in the prize fund, which, at €250,000, is the largest in the event’s history. That, combined with the first-class facilities in Aviemore, has attracted arguably the strongest line-up the tournament has ever been able to boast, with every single winner so far from the 2014 Challenge Tour season taking part.

Scottish fans will also have plenty to cheer, with no fewer than 23 home-based players in the starting line-up. They include Scott Henry, who is currently sitting third on the Challenge Tour rankings and in a great position to regain his European Tour card at the first time of asking.

Aberdeen’s David Law will also be there and will no doubt be keen to continue his recent good form, which saw him win the PLGC Northern Open on the Tartan Tour just last week.

Scottish Hydro Challenge preview taken from Macdonald Hotels Youtube channel.

Scottish Hydro Challenge: See the action

The 2014 Scottish Hydro Challenge takes place from Thursday, June 16, to Sunday, June 29. Admission is completely free of charge.

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor