The final pre-Open Championship event gets underway in Aberdeen as some of the top names in golf descend on the Scottish Open looking to get some valuable links golf practice in with the third major of the year looming large. As always, the field at the Scottish Open is a diverse one with the top European talents competing against some of the biggest names from the PGA Tour in what should be a fascinating week of golf.
Outright Betting
With this the last chance saloon for many players in preparation for the Open Championship, it should be an entertaining competition in store – that could be won by anyone.
Here’s a look at some of our favourites for the Scottish Open:
Justin Rose – 11/1 (Ladbrokes) – The talismanic Englishman is currently the third ranked player in the world and is a figure of consistency at the top of the men’s game. He is a former Scottish Open Champion – back in 2014 and is always one to look out for in the draw.
Rickie Fowler – 11/1 (888 Sport) – The enigmatic American is still looking for his breakthrough at major level and he has risen to number 7 in the world rankings this year. He is also a former champion in Aberdeen (back in 2015) and how he would like to replicate that again this year – with the Open on the horizon.
Patrick Reed – 18/1 (Betfair) – The reigning Masters champion has had a remarkable 2018 – capped by his win at Augusta and he arrives in the UK looking to continue his incredible season. Not known for his links prowess necessarily but with confidence flowing, he is more than capable here.
Tyrrell Hatton – 22/1 (Betway) – The fiery Englishman has the game to be a real contender on the European Tour and he currently sits 12th on the money list and would move into Ryder Cup contention with a win here. He enjoys links golf and arrives in Aberdeen in good form – finishing 6th at the US Open last month.
Russell Knox – 23/1 (Coral) – The Scot who plies his trade mainly on the PGA Tour has arrived back in Europe with a bang, finishing second at the French Open before winning the Irish Open on Sunday. He looks in fantastic form and could be the man to beat here.
Matt Kuchar – 26/1 (188 Bet) – The big-hitting American arrives in Scotland looking to go one better than his outright second place at the Open Championship this year. Whilst his form hasn’t been remarkable in recent weeks, he has a game capable of winning most tournaments – provided he’s on form.
Phil Mickelson– 30/1 (William Hill) – One of the top performers in the world for the past two decades, Phil Mickelson last won the Scottish Open in 2013. He then went on to clinch the Open Championship the following week – an omen he will hope this week at Gullane Golf Club.
Top Pick – Justin Rose – 11/1 (Ladbrokes)
Outside Pick – Russell Knox – 23/1 (Coral)