We head north this summer for the first time in Trilby Tour history to find a worthy Champion of Scotland. Taking place at one of Scotland's finest courses, the Tour sets up camp at Murrayshall in Perth on 28 July 2010. Players come from far and wide - but who will make the grade? We take a look at some of the contenders for the crown.

The Homegrown Talent

Trevor Taylor
Director of Insight UK, 39, from Falkirk

Club: Gleneagles
Handicap: 8
Caddy: Best friend Grant Mitchell

"It's more than a game of golf - it's an adrenaline rush"

This is my second Trilby Tour event. I played last year at Moortown and was very glad to see that this year the Tour is coming to Scotland!

I first saw the tournament on Sky Sports and thought it looked fantastic. I went straight onto the website and my wife ended up entering me as a nice surprise. It turned out to be everything I expected and more. It's turned into a family event - last year my son Simon caddied for me last year but this year we're both playing!

It was one of the best golfing experiences I've had as an amateur golfer and it's the closest event you can play in and feel like a tour player. I found the whole experience truly inspiring and exhilarating.

The pressure that's on you as a golfer- it really gets your adrenaline going. It becomes more than just a game of golf. You feel the pressure. You want to qualify. 

There are a lot of amateur tournaments out there but none that create the same atmosphere. I've played in other tournaments that have been covered by TV but the Trilby Tour is different - it moves everything to a higher level.

The pressure that's on you as a golfer- it really gets your adrenaline going. It becomes more than just a game of golf. You feel the pressure. You want to qualify. In a field of good amateurs to finish in the top 12 or final 4 would really be something.

This year my aim is to stay in the moment. I don't get fazed by the cameras but the whole event is an adrenaline rush.

One of the things that I've taken out of the Trilby Tour is the friendships I've made. Whilst it's a highly competitive event and we're all there to qualify we're also there to enjoy the day. I've met some wonderful people and made some great friendships. They might live hundreds of miles away but we keep in regular contact.

It would be an amazing dream to win. I'm friends with John Lynch (2008 Amateur Champion) and it would be fantastic to experience what he has gone through.

One of the things that I've taken out of the Trilby Tour is the friendships I've made. I've met some wonderful people and made some great friendships.

I regularly promote the TT where I can to my friends and other golfers – people should give it a try because its just an amazing experience.

I'm pleased that William Hunt has listened to demands from other players and our comments and expanded the tour into three countries. I want to say thanks for changing the idea behind golf and making it modern.

The challenge from the Middle East

David Finley
Marketing Director, 46, from Dubai

Club: Arabian Ranches, 
Handicap: 5
Caddy: Hired on the day through Murrayshall.

"I travel the world to play serious competitive golf "

I'm originally from Ireland but have lived in the Middle East for over twenty years. I play in a large group of serious competitive golfers. Four of us have entered and are flying over from Dubai. 

We tried to play last year but couldn't get the timings right. As soon as we saw it was coming to Scotland this year we booked up straightaway. 

We entered because the organisation looks superb and the final 4-man shootout looks to be very competitive. Plus in terms of what you get for the day it's great value.

We enter serious golf tournaments from all around the world including South Africa and China. For the Scotland Championship we're flying in early and having a three day warm up to get some practice rounds in.

We enter serious golf tournaments from all around the world including South Africa and China. For the Scotland Championship we're flying in early and having a three day warm up to get some practice rounds in. I'm going to watch out for the weather though - as we don't play in wind or rain here both of which Scotland has a lot of!

At the moment I'm nowhere near hitting ball as well I should be. Problem here is its very hot so it gets discipline to get out and play in 45 degree heat. But I'd be happy to get in top 11. If I make the top 4 that's a bonus

In Dubai money is not an object yet there's nothing like the Trilby Tour over here. The whole package is head and shoulders above anything else. I think the Trilby Tour is the closest an amateur can get to feeling like a pro on the day.

In Dubai money is not an object yet there's nothing like the Trilby Tour over here. The whole package is head and shoulders above anything else.

I would say to William to bring the Trilby Tour to Dubai!  It would be great if the Tour came here as there's a lot of interest in it and it's completely different from the usual corporate event.

The returning Scotsman

Stephen Pretorius
Dental Specialist, 52, from Beaconsfield.

Club: Burnham Beeches
Handicap: 13

"It's about going beyond what you think you're capable of "

To win the Scotland title would be beyond my wildest dreams, but I believe that anything is possible.

My family are originally from Scotland. I grew up in South Africa after my great-great-grandfather Robert Hart moved there with the Scottish Highlanders. I think he will be smiling if I can pull off the impossible by winning the Trilby Tour Scottish Division.

I've played in the Nikon Golf Challenge and the Volvo Tour but the Trilby Tour is the nearest to professional playing I've found. 

It's very different to other tournaments. From everything I've seen it's totally high quality and professional and that makes a big difference. If you play regularly in club matches you want to play in things that are well run and well controlled. I think what makes the real difference is it puts you under the same conditions as the pros.

I've played in the Nikon Golf Challenge and the Volvo Tour but the Trilby Tour is the nearest to professional playing I've found. I can't say the cameras won't affect me but it's a part of the whole experience.

At my age you forget your competitiveness but when you see Tom Watson nearly winning the British Open it revives something in you.

At my age you forget your competitiveness but when you see Tom Watson nearly winning the British Open it revives something in you. 

I'm back in the competitive mode that I had in my 20s and 30s. But that's what life's all about - having expectations and then going beyond what you think you're capable of.