The Scottish Open.

Hello To All,

Well, it's time for a fortnights top class golf in Scotland. Next week we have the big one, The Open, at the magnificent Turnberry. But Before that, starting today, we have the Scottish Open, being played over the superb Loch Lomond course.

So, do you think last years winner, Graeme McDowall, can retain his title on the Bonnie Banks? If he does he will be the first person to achieve it. It is a tournament that attracts the top golfers in the world every year, so it is ultra competitive, and ultra hard to win. Geoff Ogilvy, Angel Cabrera, Tim Clarke and Retief Goosen along with Rory McIlroy, Lee Westwood and Ernie Els are all competing this year, so we should have another terrific tournament.

And then on to next week, just down the road to Turnberry for The Open.

All eyes will be on Tiger Woods, to see if he can win his 15th Major Championship. But a world class line up will make sure that it will not be a cakewalk, whoever triumphs at the end of the week. And we will all have our favourites, so let us know, on here who you think will win next week at Turnberry.

I'm hoping to get along to at least one of these great tournaments in the next week, so I will keep you all posted. And don't forget, leave your comments on here about who you think will win, or indeed anything golf related, and we could all share our thoughts.

Talk Soon and Happy Golfing,

Gordon.

Short Game Tips from Padraig Harrington.

Are you needing to hone your short game? Is your chipping letting you down or your putting giving you problems?

Have a look here for some advice from the Open champion.

Harrington Gears Up For The Masters.

Padraig Harrington began his build up to the Masters at the weekend with a 24th place finish in the Buick Invitational. It was the first in a run of four American tournaments.

The three times Major winner knows all eyes will be on him. His main aim is to try and peak for Augusta in April, where he will attempt to become only the third player to win three different Majors in a row. It would be a dream come true for The Open and US PGA champion to emulate Ben Hogan and Tiger Woods.

Harrington, who returned to action last week in Dubai, was honest enough to admit his score of 17 under flattered him somewhat. He said "There were plenty of mistakes, but you get a good idea of how you stand after your winter break. Overall, I'm happy with how it went."

The Open qualifying in Australia.

Qualifying for the Open at Turnberry in July is due to go ahead in Melbourne today, despite the deadly bush fires in the state. Peter Dawson, the R&A chief executive, took the decision after talks with officials in Victoria.
Craig Parry will be in the field to try to reach his 19th open.