Thumbs up for Archerfield Links and
pro-am format

FROM THE EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS WEBSITE
By Martin Dempster
THE Aberdeen Ladies Scottish Open looks certain to be back in East Lothian in 12 months' time after Archerfield Links was given a massive thumbs up as this year's venue for the event.
Organisers also seem likely to repeat the pro-am format again after it proved popular with players in the 60-strong field an an event won by 31-year-old Frenchwoman Virginie Lagoutte-Clement.
"When you go for a new format, as we did here by playiADVERTISEMENT ng the event as a pro-am throughout, it is always a bit of a gamble," said Andrew White, chief executive of WSM Sponsorship, the tourmament promoters.
"However, one of the great successes of this week is how the players have responded to it.
"They all had great fun with their amateur partners, most of whom are potential sponsors for the players.
"Going forward, we see that as another way of bringing more money into this tournament."
According to White, the event, which fell off the LET schedule last season after being played at The Carrick in 2007 and 2008, looks certain to be repeated next year.
"We are taking a lot of positives things out of the week," he added. "We are already feeling excited next year when we will be aiming to grow the event.
"For example, it would be good to get a few more celebrities along and hopefully the likes of Alan Hansen, Jodie Kidd, Scott Hastings and Eve Muirhead will help with that by going away from here and saying nice things about the event."
There's certainly no doubting the fact that Archerfield Links passed its biggest test to date with flying colours, with players and officials alike singing the praises of the East Lothian venue.
"Archerfield has been first class," noted White. "The players have been welcomed with open arms and both the practice facilities and courses here are brilliant."
US-based Mhairi McKay also offered a glowing perspective on behalf of the players.
"Obviously this is a new format for us but I think it has been great," said the Scot. "It's been a lot of fun and both ourselves and the amateurs have enjoyed ourselves this week.
"Hopefully Aberdeen Asset Management will be happy with it and I'll certainly be back over next year.
"As for Archerfield, it's been a terrific venue and the course has been a great test."
While Lagoutte-Clement left East Lothian sporting the widest smile after claiming the £25,000 top prize, it also proved a good week for Musselburgh's Vikki Laing.
Laing, one of 11 Scots in the field, picked up just under £6,000 as she tied for fifth, just two shots behind the winner.
Looking ahead to the remainder of the season, the 29-year-old said: "If I can start holing some more putts, I definitely think I can win as that's what it comes down to."