I CAN’T KISS THIS OPEN GOODBYE..
RICKIE FOWLER is gunning for further glory at Gullane after confirming he’ll be back at the scene of his Scottish Open success. The American clinched victory in 2015 with a stunning closing stretch that pipped Matt Kuchar by a stroke. Now two weeks after his countryman said he’ll bid to go one better when the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open starts on July 12, his conqueror revealed a return to East Lothian. Fowler said: “Gullane is a special place for me and I can’t wait to get back. I love links golf – the course can play so differently each day and it’s always such an interesting challenge. “Gullane was a very good test in 2015. I had played the last four holes well all week so knew I had some birdies in me after dropping a shot at the 14th on Sunday – and it turned out to be a perfect finish. “The Scottish Open is a great week and it’s good preparation for The Open.” Bradley Neil and Connor Syme got their timing right at the Shot Clock Masters to sit two shots off the BY EUAN McLEAN lead. No one was penalised on day one in Austria where every player is on the clock in a bid to beat slow play.
Swede Oscar Lengden leads by one after a six-under 66 while the Scots duo were among four players to shoot a 68.
Rory McIlroy will get a front-row seat for Phil Mickelson’s bid to beat him to the career Grand Slam after being paired together at next week’s US Open.
Jordan Spieth completes the three ball at Shinnecock Hills.
World No.1 Justin Thomas is out with No.2 Dustin Johnson and Tiger Woods.
Mickelson and US Open champion Brooks Koepka are the top names taking part in this week’s St Jude’s Classic and they warmed up nicely with opening four-under 66s at TPC Southwind. They trail Ireland’s Seamus Power by one.