Royal Aberdeen to host 2014 Scottish Open

The Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open will return to Castle Stuart Golf Links next year before moving to a new venue, Royal Aberdeen, for the 2014 tournament.

The European Tour and their partners, Aberdeen Asset Management PLC and The Scottish Government, have also confirmed a significant prize fund increase - from £2.5m to £3m - for both tournaments.

The title sponsorship was launched at Edinburgh Castle in March by Martin Gilbert, Aberdeen Asset Management's CEO, Alex Salmond, European Tour Chief Executive George O'Grady and Paul Lawrie, an Aberdeen Asset Management Ambassador.

The 2013 tournament will take place from July 11-14, with the 2014 event scheduled to run from July 10-13 over Royal Aberdeen's Balgownie links.

Royal Aberdeen - which will become the eighth different venue to host the Scottish Open - also staged the Aberdeen Asset Management Senior Open Championship in 2005 and the 2011 Walker Cup, won by Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

"We are delighted to announce details of the outstanding venues for the next two editions of the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open, and to confirm a 20% rise in the prize fund for 2013 and 2014," said O'Grady.

"We were immensely impressed with how Castle Stewart staged the 2012 tournament and we are delighted to be returning there in 2013 to enjoy a similarly successful tournament," added Gilbert.

"I am also sure that Royal Aberdeen Golf Club will provide a challenging and picturesque setting in 2014 as it displays the best of links golf and is a fitting host for this great tournament."

Royal Aberdeen - founded in 1780 - is the world's sixth oldest golf club.

Ronnie MacAskill, Royal Aberdeen's secretary, said: "We are delighted. Our members and the Aberdeenshire public will be treated to a golfing bonanza, and I'm certain everyone will give 100% to support this superb event."