COMMUNITY heroes are being given the chance to tee off with their golfing heroes ahead of the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open.

The tournament takes place at The Renaissance Club from July 8 to 11, with some of the best golfers from around the globe taking part.

Ahead of the event, which was won last year by Aaron Rai, local heroes will get the chance to compete in the pro-am alongside some of the star-studded field and golfing celebrities.

Last year’s Scottish Open, which was also contested at the East Lothian course, near Dirleton, hosted the launch of #Medals4Heroes, a mini-medal competition that paired everyday heroes of the Covid-19 pandemic with professionals.

Major winners Paul Lawrie and Danny Willett helped to tee off the initiative when they teamed up with Lorne Logan, an occupational therapist from Pencaitland, and Davie Martin, a community fundraiser from Tranent, to play nine holes on the Tuesday of tournament week.

Rory Colville, Scottish Open Championship director, was looking forward to this year’s tournament.

He said: “We at the European Tour, alongside tournament partners Aberdeen Standard Investments and VisitScotland, are passionate about leaving a positive impact on the communities around The Renaissance Club and beyond through Golf for Good.

“This has been such a tough time for many in Scotland and across the world, and while we know that golf fans are excited to see some of the world’s best golfers arrive in East Lothian, importantly the event also gives us an opportunity to say thank you to the true heroes of the pandemic.”

Aberdeen Standard Investments and VisitScotland have donated their pro-am places to golf fans who deserve to be rewarded for their hard work in their communities over the last year, and nominations are now being accepted.

To nominate a hero and give them a chance to tee it up in the Scottish Open pro-am at The Renaissance Club on July 7, explain in 150 words why your nominee deserves to experience this opportunity at ET.GOLF/ScotlandHero

Nominees must be from Scotland, hold a handicap (30 for women, 24 for men) and be available to get to The Renaissance Club on the date.

Paul Bush, director of events at VisitScotland, was keen for entries to be submitted.

He said: “The Scottish Open showcases Scotland as a golf tourism and events destination to a global audience around the world but equally important is the positive impact it has on local communities.

“Following such a difficult year for many, the Golf for Good initiative will provide an unforgettable experience for some individuals who have made a real difference in their community by playing in the pro-am alongside some of the world’s leading players and I’m delighted that we, alongside our partners at the European Tour and Aberdeen Standard Investments, can show our appreciation in this way.”

Entries close tomorrow (Friday).