Call it the ‘Phil Mickelson Effect’ but more of the world’s top stars are lining up to contest this year’s Aberdeen Asset Scottish Open.
On top of Europe’s best looking forward to competing for a first time at Royal Aberdeen is a number of leading American players now believing Phil Mickelson has got it right in contesting the Scottish Open in the week prior to The Open.
Mickelson became the first player ever to win both the Scottish Open and The Open in the same season.
The latest to express interest in teeing-up on July 10th at Royal Aberdeen is the American duo Patrick Reed and Rickie Fowler, and both contesting this week’s $US 6.8m Zurich Classic of New Orleans.
Patrick Reed considering entering this year’s Scottish Open at Royal Aberdeen. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
The 23-year old Reed, whose wife is shortly expecting the couple’s first child, looks almost assured of being on this year’ s USA Ryder Cup team after winning twice this year including the prestigious WGC – Cadillac Championship.
Reed, currently ranked 25th in the world, revealed he’s competed just once before in Scotland and that was in the 2011 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
“I went to the European Tour Q-School and got through to the finals and I was given an invitation into the Dunhill Links and I just loved it was it was the first time I ever played links golf,” said Reed.
“I was setting up on the tee alongside Miguel Angel Jimenez on the practice tee and just loved the whole experience and can’t wait to get back.
“It’s why I’m considering doing what Phil did last year and play the Scottish but at this stage it will all depend on the baby and whether she will be able to travel with us.
Rickie Fowler considering joining Patrick Reed in this year’s Scottish Open at Royal Aberdeen. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
“But whatever I would love to go over early and also maybe play Gleneagles so we’ll see.”
Fowler’s appearance, along with the confirmation of the presence of his good friend Rory McIlroy at Royal Aberdeen, would be a double boost for Scotland’s under-20 golf fans.
Like Reed, Fowler also has competed just once as a professional in Scotland and that was in missing the cut in last year’s Open Championship at Muirfield.
“I’m considering playing the Scottish Open but nothing definite at this stage,” said Fowler.
“Apart playing The Open last year, I’ve only played in Scotland the once and that was Glasgow Gailes in 2007 on our way to Royal County Down.
“I know that whether or not I do play the Scottish I am going over early ahead of The Open just to play some links courses like the Old Course at St. Andrews as that is something I have always wanted to do.
“And I like what Phil did last year as it helps getting into a little bit of a rhythm heading into a Major, so then it’s not a shock to the system and it’s like you’re just going into another tournament.
“Jack (Nicklaus) always said it best that a lot of guys are eliminated just because of the thought it is a Major, and mentally you are a little bit too worried about it”.
At this stage the sponsor is afforded 11 invitations and with the US-based Scottish pair of Martin Laird and Russell Knox sure to get two.
That would lead nine to be divided up among ‘value added’ entrants but with both Reed and Fowler, if they do confirm, sure to add greatly to an already impressive line-up of international players.
