American star Matt Kuchar will make his third consecutive appearance in the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open when he tees it up at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick from July 11-14.
The four-time Ryder Cup player is the current rankings leader on the US PGA Tour following two victories and a further four top tens, and the Rolex Series event once again plays a key role in his schedule as it takes its traditional slot in the week before The Open. The 40-year-old has three top tens in his eight previous Scottish Open appearances, including a second-place finish at Gullane in 2015.
His tied fourth place in 2017 preceded his best ever showing in The Open at Royal Birkdale the following week – where he finished as runner-up to compatriot Jordan Spieth – and he went on to finish ninth at Carnoustie Golf Links last season after once again playing in Scotland’s national open the previous week.
Six out of the last nine winners of The Open have taken part in the Scottish Open before lifting the Claret Jug and Kuchar believes teeing it up in Scotland, the Home of Golf, is the perfect preparation as he aims to capture his maiden Major championship title.
Kuchar said: “I’ve really enjoyed playing in the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open over the past few years. I’ve had a good couple of runs at the title and always enjoy the great competition. I view the tournament not just as great preparation for The Open, but also as a challenge in its own right. It’s always a pleasure to play in front of the Scottish fans. They are always so knowledgeable and welcoming, and I look forward to getting back over there this summer.”
Kuchar will be part of a world-class field, which also includes 2016 Open champion Henrik Stenson, defending Scottish Open champion Brandon Stone of South Africa, and his fellow Rolex Series winners – local favourite Russell Knox and former world No.1 Lee Westwood, with further star names to be announced.
This year the tournament will be played for the first time at The Renaissance Club –which was founded in 2008 and nestles on 300 picturesque acres along the Firth of Forth – when it takes its place as the third event in the 2019 Rolex Series, the premium category of tournaments on the Race to Dubai, each with a minimum prize fund of $7million.
It will once again be followed by the Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open, which will be played over the same course, from August 8-11.