Players and politics have let down Scottish Open
THE Scottish Open looks like it will be the big loser in the scheduling issues caused by the Olympics.
That became evident when it emerged that Rickie Fowler would not be coming to Castle Stuart to defend the title he won at Gullane 12 months ago.
Golf’s unwritten rule is that the defending champion always plays the following year. But Rickie has admitted defeat due to his summer schedule.
At least he had the good grace to send a handwritten letter to the organisers to inform them, and we can only hope that he comes over next year to Dundonald Links.
Unfortunately, the American won’t be the only absentee. Rory McIlroy and Masters Champion Danny Willett both played at Royal Aberdeen two years ago but won’t be in Inverness.
All three of those should be heading to Rio in August and something has to give.
The US PGA has been moved to the end of July, while the WGC Bridgestone Invitational has been plonked a fortnight ahead of The Open and now clashes with the French Open.
The EuropeanTour were unhappy about not being consulted, so their event in Paris will count as two tournaments on the schedule and will carry increased prize money and Ryder Cup points as a result.
While the Americans will all be in Ohio, European Tour members are almost compelled to tee it up in Paris, although I think it sets a dangerous precedent.
That’s because everyone will be in action the week before, some of the top players will be reluctant to race over for the Scottish Open when they have lots of golf between then and the Ryder Cup.
Thankfully, in Aberdeen Asset Management, the tournament has a sponsor who understands the sport.
They will still endeavour to put on a great show, because they know how the event has grown in stature since it was moved to links courses.
Phil Mickelson will be the main attraction and, having done the Scottish Open-Open double three years ago, he knows the Scottish Open is the best way to prepare for the main event.
Four of the last five Open Champions, including Phil, have sharpened up their games in competitive action at the event, so that shows its merit, along with notinsignificant prize money.
There is also Russell Knox to help headline the event, and the galleries will want to cheer on one of their own.
The crowds at Wentworth were down last month in light of a weakened field at the BMW PGA Championship, but I have every faith in Scottish golf fans continuing to come out in great numbers.
They are not as star-struck – they just want to watch good golf – and that knowledge is appreciated so much by the players.
The ideal scenario would be for the winner at Royal Troon to have come from the Scottish Open field.
That would certainly be a victory for golf over scheduling and politicking.