Players came from all across the UK, as well as North America and Finland to play in the weekend, with many returning after entering the competition in previous years and the Finnish team being particularly keen to defend their 2011 win in the Sunday competition.
The continued growth in participation demonstrates the high regard in which the course is held and the great loyalty many international golfers have to the course.
Ralph Thompson, Club Chairman, said, ‘This was the fifth competition held on the restored Askernish course and the renown of the both course and the hospitality of South Uist continues to grow. We are fortunate to receive ongoing sponsorship from around the world to help fund continual improvement of this world class course and we are also hosting players from an ever expanding list of countries. Many competitors have already booked their place for next year and we expect the competition to be at full capacity in 2013.’
On Saturday 25th August the first Uist Shopping Experience took place alongside the Askernish Open, organised by Stòras Uibhist. This proved to be a very successful event with 22 local arts, crafts, growers, bakers and makers taking up tables to sell their goods to golfers and other visitors.
The restored Askernish Golf Course is now making a significant contribution to the economy of South Uist and the Askernish Open is a major event both for South Uist and the Scottish Golfing calendar.
Published on Tuesday 28 August 2012 by The Stornoway Gazette
