RICKIE’SRIGHT IN GULLANE
BY EUAN McLEAN RICKIE FOWLER feels like he’s defending the Scottish Open title at Gullane even though it’s three years since he lifted the title here.
Scheduling issues made it impossible for the American to come back and fight to keep his title in 2016 at Castle Stuart.
But this time, back on the patch where he triumphed the last time, Fowler reckons this is his place to reign supreme as he moved into position for what promises to be a thrilling weekend battle.
Englishman Robert Rock is the man to catch at the moment on 13 under par – a two-shot cushion ahead of Sweden’s Jens Dantorp and Tyrrell Hatton.
But they’ll all look over their shoulders at Fowler, perched just three shots back beside Eddie Pepperell on 10 under and feeling good about his chances.
Fowler said: “I’m in a place where I’ve played well before and feel I’m somewhat defending in a way, since the last time it was here I won.
“Obviously I know I can play this golf course well.
“I’m exactly where we want to be.”
Rock’s second-round 63 was enough to edge him into the lead but the 41-year-old is too long in the tooth and has taken too many kicks in the teeth to get carried away.
He said: “I don’t get expectations anymore.
“I’ve played well over the last few tournaments and ended up finishing 40th and 50th or 20th.”