Scottish Open appeals to Phil and Fowler

Phil Mickelson and Rickie Fowler will tee it up at Royal Aberdeen in the Scottish Open later today – and the American duo revealed they can’t wait to get going.

Defending champion Phil Mickelson has made no secret of his love for links golf over the past couple of years and the left-hander is looking forward to the challenge of the Balgownie links.

“I really believe coming here and playing the week before the Open, playing in a great links test like this, is a real asset,” said Mickelson.

“When you really appreciate and love it, like I’ve learned to do, it’s exciting. It turns out to be some of our favourite weeks of the year.”

“The key to playing links golf is being able to get the ball not just low.”

Mickelson admits it took him a while to embrace links golf. Now, though, the world no.13 says he believes he has the knowledge to succeed on these courses.

“The key to playing links golf is being able to get the ball not just low, but without spin,” the American said. “After learning how to take more club, swing it easier, and just let it feel like you’re hitting little half shots, I’m not fighting it.”

Rickie Fowler, who’s looking for his first win in two years, is another American who’s excited for the start of the Scottish Open.

In fact, the 25-year-old Oklahoma State graduate likes coming to Scotland so much, he’s thinking of coming back for a holiday.

“The time I get to spend over here, looking down the coast and seeing the different courses, it makes me want to come over and have a guys’ week and go play golf,” Fowler said.

Despite being from America and playing most of his golf on the PGA Tour, Fowler insists he feels at home at the Scottish Open.

 “That’s why I appreciate links golf more than a lot of guys in the younger generation.”

“I grew up learning the game from an older gentleman who was definitely more old school. I didn’t grow up learning how to exactly swing a golf club, it was more learning how to play the game,” said the world number 27.

“I think that’s why I appreciate links golf more than a lot of guys in the younger generation from the US. I enjoy coming over here.”

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