Scottish Open Situation--Remains!?--Unsettled

I thought we had this all worked out, links in 2011 and 2012, with Castle Stuart and The Renaissance Club taking over for Loch Lomond. Apparently not, reports Martin Dempster who says The Renaissance is out entirely through 2013.

The Scotsman understands it has been ruled out due to the fact it doesn't yet have a proper clubhouse, while the European Tour would also rather wait until three new holes in the pipeline there are not only built but also bedded in before hosting one of the biggest events on the circuit.

It had been suggested Castle Stuart could host next year's tournament before it then moved to The Renaissance Club for a spell, but a problem with that is the return of the Open Championship to Muirfield, its next door neighbour, in 2013.

Having two major events back-to-back in such close proximity is a situation both the European Tour and the R&A are believed to be keen to avoid.

As things stand, it appears Castle Stuart, which has earned rave reviews since opening its doors 18 months ago, is still the likely option for next year and, quite possibly, for another two years after that.