THE WORLD'S top golfer, Luke Donald, has confirmed he will return to Castle Stuart next July to defend the Scottish Open title which helped him make golfing history in 2011.

The 34-year-old Englishman, who ends the year as Number One in the European Tour's Race to Dubai, top of the US PGA Tour money list and Number One in the world, acknowledged that winning the Scottish Open title in July played a huge part in his success in The Race to Dubai competition.

And news of Donald's return to defend his crown from July 12-15 over the acclaimed links near Moray has prompted the tournament organisers to extend a winter discounted ticket offer until Friday, January 20, to ensure Moray golf fans can purchase the best priced tickets to see the world's best in action at Castle Stuart.

Donald shot a stunning final round of 63 to complete a four stroke victory over Sweden's Fredrik Andersson Hed to collect his first Scottish Open title.

"I'm over the moon to know that the Scottish Open is going back to Castle Stuart, a course I very much enjoyed," he said.

"I had a great time there a few months ago and picking up the trophy was a huge step in my career. The Scottish Open is one of the favoured tournaments on the European Tour and I can't wait to get back.

"Staging the event on a links encouraged a better field and to have some preparation on this type of course the week before The Open is what everyone is looking for."

He speaks highly of the Scottish Open debut at Castle Stuart, despite torrential rain reducing it to three rounds.

A season ticket for four days is £60 if bought before January 20, a saving of £10 on pre-tournament prices and £20 on gate admission during the week of the event.

Adult day tickets are priced at £25 before January 20, rising to £30 pre-event and £35 on the gate. Concessions (60 and over) start at £40 for a season ticket and £15 for any one day tickets if purchased by January 20. Under-16s accompanied by an adult are admitted free of charge and all car parking is free.

Reserved grandstand seating can also be purchased immediately for Saturday (£10) and Sunday (£15) of what promises to be one of the highlights of the 2012 season.

Full details can be found at www.europeantour.com/tickets or by telephoning the ticket hotline: 0800 023 2557. Send postal enquiries to European Tour Tickets, Mirren Court Three, 123 Renfrew Court Three, Paisley PA3 4EA.