Scotland to up Ryder Cup ante

Three countries are still aiming to win the Ryder Cup

A major push has been promised between now and September to secure the 2009 Ryder Cup for Scotland.

And Loch Lomond Golf Club president Keith Williams hopes that staging the Scottish Open this summer will help bring the Ryder Cup to the 'bonnie banks'.

Williams is fully behind the bid to bring the prestigious event to Scotland and admitted that the Ryder Cup committee's delay in making their decision had been frustrating for all parties concerned.

The Scottish Open has yet to win sponsorship, but organisers have dug deep to ensure that world No.3 Ernie Els and more of the world's top stars will be playing for record prize money at Loch Lomond from 12 July.

Williams hoped that would help raise the profile of the course and that a major facelift would convince the committee that it should stage the Ryder Cup.

Has been confusing

"I think the first thing one has to say about the Ryder Cup bid is that we remain completely behind the bid for Scotland to bring Ryder Cup 2009 to Scotland and that's what we've been doing," he said.

"Secondly, we'll remain part of the bid to bring the Ryder Cup 2009 here to Loch Lomond.

"I think the fact it's been delayed has been confusing, but there are four venues which remain committed to bringing the Ryder Cup to Scotland.

"But we will find out in September when the country and the venue will be announced, but the Scottish Open being here will certainly help our bid."

He was confident that Scotland would emerge victorious, despite suggestions that the Welsh bid had forged ahead.

"I think that all the bids are strong, particularly from Wales," said Williams. "But, on the other hand, we that it is time that Ryder Cup came back to the home of golf.

"I think one will find that, between now and September, there will be a big push for Scotland.

Five-year sponsorship deal

"It all about timing. Getting the right timing, the right amount of publicity, the right amount of press for Scotland."

Meanwhile, the Scottish Open should land a major five-year sponsorship deal before this year's event takes place.

Williams added: "We are actually talking to two companies at the moment about sponsorship of the Scottish Open.

"We have spoken to a lot more than that and we are still in negotiations with the two companies, but I can't tell you who they are.

"We are very hopeful of concluding a deal before this Scottish Open."