With the John Deere Classic in the bag on the PGA Tour, attentions are now turning to this week’s Scottish Open and The Open the week after as the TOUR heads to Europe.
The Renaissance Club plays host to the Scottish Open this week as a number of the best players in the world make the trip to Scotland hoping to compete.
Over the last few years, we’ve seen some big names win the tournament.
Last year, it was home favourite Robert MacIntrye who got the job done and banished the ghosts of the year prior, when he’d lost to Rory McIlroy in dramatic fashion.
Now, as MacIntyre returns to defend his title, he’ll actually be looking at McIlroy and another top star, Xander Schauffele, and hoping his career follows a similar path.
Photo by Harry How/Getty ImagesRobert MacIntyre will hope to follow Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele after Scottish Open success
While some players might opt not to travel to Scotland and play, this event is one of the biggest on the calendar for those who hail from European shores.
The last three years have seen MacIntyre, McIlroy and Schauffele come out winners and while those wins in Scotland are memorable themselves, it’s what’s followed that will encourage MacIntyre.
As we know, McIlroy finally slayed his demons by winning The Masters this year, just over 18 months since he succeeded at the Scottish.
Likewise, Xander Schauffele won in 2023 before going onto the 2024 season and winning two majors in the same season.
Now, a year down the line, the popular MacIntyre will be hoping that his Scottish Open win in ’24 can propel him to the same successes as Schauffele and McIlroy.
Scottish Open winners who have gone on to be major champions
There are some fine players over the years who have won a Scottish Open and either already been or gone on to be a major champion.
The highest profile name on the list is a certain Phil Mickelson, who won the event in 2013, while Justin Rose won the event in 2014.
Other major winners to have got their hands on the trophy in Scotland including Martin Kaymer (2009), Ernie Els (2000), and the American, Tom Lehmann.
With big names like Scottie Scheffler playing this week, it’s clear that winning the Scottish Open is a big deal to many on the TOUR.
And with The Open next week, playing well around Scotland will be even more crucial to those teeing it up.
