Sign up for our daily newsletter

Want latest news, reviews, analysis, deals, and events, and offers from our commercial partners? We’ve got you.

• Trio confirmed to play in the 2016 Scottish Open
• Phil Mickelson returns to the scene of his 2013 triumph
• Henrik Stenson and Graeme McDowell also confirmed

SCOTTISH OPEN | PHIL MICKELSON | HENRIK STENSON

The Scottish Open has received a monumental boost with the news that Phil Mickelson, Henrik Stenson and Graeme McDowell will all be heading to Castle Stuart for the tournament.

With a packed summer schedule due to the return of the Olympics – with the year’s final three majors, the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational and the Olympics part of a ten-week stretch – Rory McIlroy already counted himself out of playing at Castle Stuart, while Rickie Fowler was rather uncertain on his title defence after winning the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.

But Mickelson, Swede Stenson and McDowell have all committed to the tournament, which takes place on the Inverness links from July 7-10, with the American in particular looking forward to returning to the scene of his memorable 2013 triumph, which was followed up a week later by capturing the Open Championship at Muirfield.

CONTINUES BELOW…

Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open - Day Four

“I’m always excited about returning to Scotland, and particularly to Castle Stuart,” said the 45-year-old. “I believe winning there in 2013 was key to my success the next week at the Open Championship.

“Beyond that, the nation is the home of golf and I really appreciate the fans’ golfing knowledge and their respect for the game. It’s always one of the highlights of my year when I compete in Scotland.”

Stenson was hot on Mickelson’s heels in 2013, finishing third at Castle Stuart and runner-up at Muirfield, and he credited that run of events for his return to the top of the game.

CONTINUES BELOW…

Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open - Day Four

“Even though I didn’t quite manage to get the job done in 2013, it was still the start of a great run for me and maybe I used those near-misses at Castle Stuart and Muirfield as motivation.

“For me, playing the Scottish Open is the perfect preparation for the Open. We’ll be expecting a tougher test at Troon the week after, but although Castle Stuart doesn’t beat you up as much as an Open Championship venue does, it’s still great to get into the mindset of playing links golf.”

Read more -> 2017 Scottish Open ‘likely’ to go to Dundonald

McDowell, the 2008 Scottish Open champion at Loch Lomond, meanwhile, is also looking forward to returning to Castle Stuart, despite being a critic of the venue in the past.

CONTINUES BELOW…

Barclays Scottish Open - Final Round

“I’m looking forward to making my return to Castle Stuart this year,” said McDowell, who has since settled his differences with Aberdeen Asset Management chief executive Martin Gilbert. “It’s going to be a great little period for me, with the French Open, the Scottish Open and hopefully the Open, so I’m very excited about that little stretch over the summer.”

And Gilbert hailed the announcement of the trio, adding: “With a condensed summer golfing calendar, having these star names playing is testament to the strength of this tournament and its enviable position of being contested the week before The Open Championship.”

Scottish Open trio confirmed :: Your thoughts

Amid all the negativity towards the Scottish Open possibly not attracting the same level of field, how much of a boost has this been? Leave your thoughts in the ‘Comments’ section below.

More Reads

Image Turnberry green

The bunkered Golf Course Guide - Scotland

Now, with bunkered, you can discover the golf courses Scotland has to offer. Trust us, you will not be disappointed.

Find Courses

Latest podcast

The PLAYERS Championship