Graeme Robertson is hoping for another silver lining when he begins his defence of the Loch Lomond Whiskies Scottish PGA Championship at Dalmahoy.
The Arnold Clark Tartan Tour’s flagship event returns to its spiritual home of the East Course for the first time since 1996 and Robertson headlines an impressive field of PGA in Scotland campaigners.
During a memorable 2023 season, which also included a debut appearance in The Open at Royal Liverpool, Robertson went on to land the Loch Lomond Whiskies Scottish PGA Championship at Scotscraig as he joined a decorated roll of honour that includes John Panton, Bernard Gallacher, Sandy Lyle, Brian Barnes, Sam Torrance and Paul Lawrie.
Robertson completed a notable double when he added the prestigious Northern Open title to his collection earlier this season and the 36-year-old has enjoyed having two treasured pieces of silverware on his mantelpiece.
“The shelf was looking really nice for a while,” said Robertson with a smile. “My daughter, who is in Primary Six, actually had a thing at school about parents who had an interesting job. So, I went in with the trophies and done a wee talk to her class. I think she was quite proud of her old dad.
“Winning the Scottish PGA, one of the most prestigious titles in Scotland, was a big moment. Ever since I qualified for The Open, I seemed to have more self-belief.
“It’s a game of small margins and a wee bit of confidence can make a big difference. I just trusted myself much more last year and that’s what I’ve been doing ever since.”
The return to Dalmahoy, which was a regular host to the Loch Lomond Whiskies Scottish PGA Championship during the 1980s and 1990s, is being eagerly anticipated and Robertson is relishing the challenge of the storied East Course.
“I like it as a venue and hopefully I can put up a good defence,” he said. “I’d say it suits my game. The East Course is one that asks for a driver and when a course is like that, I tend to do well. You can be quite aggressive. Hopefully, it’ll be right up my street.”
Robertson has been nursing a niggling wrist injury for the last couple of weeks and the former Scotland amateur cap is hoping that won’t derail his bid to become the first back-to-back winner of the title since Ross Drummond in 1989 and 1990.
He added: “I struggled with the wrist three years ago and it’s just flared up again. It’s just ligaments. And getting old. I’ve played so much golf this year and it’s maybe just catching up with me.”
The Dalmahoy showpiece will commence on Monday August 26 with a 20-team Pro-Am before the 72-hole championship itself gets under way on Tuesday August 27. As well as Robertson, the line-up also includes Tartan Tour heavyweights Alastair Forsyth and Craig Lee.
Craig Waddell, Director of Golf & Leisure at Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club said: “It is a real honour to host the Loch Lomond Whiskies Scottish PGA Championship at Dalmahoy once again.
“The Pro-Am is a brilliant opportunity for professionals and amateur golfers to come together and play on a world-class championship course and we look forward to welcoming some of the country’s finest golfing talent.”
David Longmuir, Manager of The PGA in Scotland, added: “We are delighted to return to the Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club for the first time in 28 years where famous names have previously lifted the Scottish PGA Championship trophy including Sam Torrance, Bernard Gallacher and Collin Gillies to name a few.
“This year’s tournament will feature the leading players in the Arnold Clark PGA in Scotland Tartan Tour circuit and I’m sure the golf course will provide a great challenge and a worthy winner.”
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