A new Scottish Open champion will be crowned this Sunday but they will do well to secure as popular a win as Rickie Fowler did a decade ago.
Fowler’s hot streak in the mid-2010s is the stuff of modern golfing legend.
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Fowler won the 2015 Scottish Open in styleCredit: Getty
He finished in the top five or better in every major in 2014 before winning a host of big tournaments, including The Players, over the following three years.
But it’s his 2015 Scottish Open success around the links of Gullane that is perhaps his most endearing.
The historic Gullane Golf Club, nestled in the centre of Scotland’s fabled Golf Coast and next door to Muirfield, has held the Scottish Open twice.
Welcoming a glittering field in 2015, Fowler arrived at the beautiful East Lothian track hot off the back of his stunning play-off win at TPC Sawgrass.
The American enjoyed an impressive opening three days at Gullane, but the job wasn’t done heading into Sunday’s final round.
After a steady start, Fowler then pushed his tee shot on the difficult 14th into one of Gullane’s treacherous bunkers, made bogey and had seemingly let his trophy chances slip.
But, just like his blistering finish to win The Players a few weeks prior, Fowler rallied and birdied three of his last four holes to leapfrog his rivals and take the title in brilliant style.
It solidified his status as a global star, earned him a legion of new fans in Scotland and almost convinced him into a transatlantic relocation to the small village of Gullane.
Alasdair Good, Head Professional at Gullane Golf Club, recalled that stunning display on the eve of last year’s Scottish Open.
He told talkSPORT: “I was fortunate to catch up with Rickie and his [former] caddie Joe Skovron in the clubhouse shortly after his win.
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The beautiful Gullane Golf Club hosted the 2015 Scottish OpenCredit: Getty
“They both said how much they loved the club and the village of Gullane. Joe said Rickie loved it so much he was thinking of buying a house here. I said if he did and wanted to join the club and was looking for a partner for the Winter Foursomes to let me know!”
Fowler, donned in his traditional Sunday orange, held off Raphael Jacquelin and Matt Kuchar on the final day to cap off a memorable week for the former world number four.
The Gullane fans fell in love with Fowler as they were treated to a brilliant display of power and touch and he also looked to give something back.
Good added: “Following his victory here, Rickie was so impressed with the course and the club that he donated his orange driver to the clubhouse as a thank you.
“I did hear one fan suggest he must have flown here on Easyjet! The Scottish golf fans are knowledgeable supporters, so there probably would have been more reaction if Rickie was not wearing his trademark orange breeks.
“A standout memory for me personally was the incredible sportsmanship displayed by the players throughout the week.
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Fowler was in stunning form at Gullane a decade agoCredit: Getty
“One instance that comes to mind is when Rickie, during a practice round, took the time to give some impromptu advice and encouragement to a group of young local golfers who were watching from the sidelines.
“It was a small gesture, but it left a big impression on those kids and highlighted the positive influence professional golfers can have.
“I’m not sure exactly how Rickie celebrated the victory but if it was anything like the numerous spectators staying locally, it certainly was in some style.”
Fowler beat a leaderboard that included the likes of Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson, Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry and Tyrrell Hatton in Gullane.
Also in the mix that year was Marc Warren, with the Glasgow-native finishing just two shots back after a blistering final day 64.
While the locals would have dearly loved a Scotsman to win, Good admits Fowler had captured the hearts of the fans.
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Fowler was a hugely popular champion in ScotlandCredit: Getty
He said: “Prior to the event, I asked many members who they thought would win and who they wanted to win. Those thinking with their hearts said, ‘it would be great to have a Scottish winner’.
“Marc gave us all great hope, finishing just two shots behind, with Russell Knox and Paul Lawrie only a few shots behind him.
“But the name that came up most that our members wanted to win, in what I would say was a combination of head and heart thinking, was the in-form Rickie Fowler!”
Fowler will unfortunately not be teeing it up at the Scottish Open this week as it takes place just up the road from Gullane at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick.
Robert MacIntyre is the defending champion and another all-star field, including Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler, will be gunning for glory ahead of the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush.
While Renaissance is now the permanent home of the tournament, Gullane produced two thrilling events, with Fowler’s victory in 2015 followed by Brandon Stone’s high-scoring win three years later.
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Fowler considered moving to Gullane following his victoryCredit: Getty
Good said: “The Scottish Open attracts many of the world’s top players and is often the strongest field of any European event. To win you are going to have to beat the very best.
“Rickie won by a shot with numerous major winners, Ryder Cup players and former world no.1s within four shots of him.
“That tournament brought a sense of joy and celebration to Gullane.
“The vibrant atmosphere, filled with enthusiastic fans and exciting moments, created memories that will be cherished for years to come.
“It was a week where the community could come together to celebrate not just the sport of golf, but the shared pride in our beautiful village and its rich golfing heritage.
“Moreover, the event provided a platform to inspire the next generation of golfers. Seeing top-tier professionals compete on their local course motivated young aspiring golfers in the area.
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Fowler will always be a fan favourite around the links of ScotlandCredit: Getty
“It was a unique opportunity for them to witness first-hand the dedication and skill required to compete at the highest level, fuelling their passion for the sport.
“Hosting the Scottish Open was a momentous occasion for Gullane. It reinforced our status as a premier golfing destination, strengthened community bonds, inspired future generations, and brought a sense of joy and pride to everyone involved.
“Seeing our course on TV from a new perspective with the benefit of high-quality lenses and drone footage was incredible.
“The constantly variable Scottish weather produced moments of breathtaking beauty when a sudden, brief rain shower passed over the course, creating a stunning double rainbow.
“The evening sunsets over the craggy outline of Edinburgh Castle and dolphins leaping playfully in the sea just yards off the crescent beaches.
“The natural beauty of Gullane, East Lothian and Edinburgh being broadcast around the world amazed and inspired so many people to get in touch to say how much they enjoyed watching the event and wanted to plan future visits.
“It was an experience that left a lasting positive impact on our club and our community.”
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