SPECTATORS will not line the fairways at The Renaissance Club for Scotland’s top golf tournament.

The Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open tees off next Thursday (October 1) at the East Lothian course for the second consecutive year.

Organisers had hoped a limited number of spectators would be allowed to watch the action over the four days.

However, last night (Wednesday), they confirmed that would not be possible.

A spokeswoman for the European Tour told the Courier: “A robust and thorough plan had been put in place, in close collaboration with the Scottish Government, to welcome a limited number of spectators over the weekend at The Renaissance Club as part of a series of pilot sporting and cultural events being considered in Scotland to help support the return of the public.

“However, in line with the consistent approach now being taken in Scotland and across the UK to pause pilot events, the tournament will now return to a closed-door model and all ticket holders have been contacted separately with details of the refund process.

“We thank our tournament partners Aberdeen Standard Investments, VisitScotland and the Scottish Government for their collaboration.

“We also thank the Scottish golf fans who had purchased tickets for the event and look forward to welcoming them back in future years.”

East Lothian is hosting the prestigious tournament for the third consecutive year after Brandon Stone emerged victorious at Gullane Golf Club in 2018.

Bernd Wiesberger was crowned champion at The Renaissance Club last year after a tense play-off with Benjamin Hebert.

The 34-year-old Austrian is among an impressive field set to tee off next week as he looks to successfully defend his title.