Scottie Scheffler confirms Scottish Open participation

World number one Scottie Scheffler has confirmed he will warm up for his defence of the Open title by playing the Scottish Open next month.

The American, who finished joint eighth last season, will join fellow double-Masters winner and world number two Rory McIlroy, leading Scot and 2024 winner Robert MacIntyre, and defending champion Chris Gotterup at the Renaissance Club from 9-12 July.

It will be the 29-year-old Scheffler’s fifth appearance at the East Lothian course and he views it as ideal preparation for his defence of the Claret Jug at Royal Birkdale the following week.

“I always enjoy coming to the Genesis Scottish Open and taking on the challenge of links-style golf as part of an exciting couple of weeks in the UK,” he said.

“The tournament always has a strong field and the Scottish fans help to make it a fun week.”

Compatriot Gotterup finished two strokes ahead of McIlroy and England’s Marco Penge last year, with Scheffler a further four strokes behind.