Things get no better for Rory in his home event

The French Open provided one of the stiffest tests of the year as Alex Noren won at Le Golf National.

That should secure Noren’s debut at the Ryder Cup on the same course in September, while Francesco Molinari must also be a definite after his first victory on the PGA Tour at the Quicken Loans National.

When we return to Paris, everything will be ready for Europe and America to do battle.

So I will be fascinated to see how the course is set up.

Last week, it was very difficult because of the hot, windy conditions and thick rough.

It changed the nature of the course from target golf to one that played fast and firm. The cut came at five-over-par as a result.

That leaves Europe’s captain, Thomas Bjorn, with a dilemma for September’s match.

Knowing Thomas, I would imagine that he would want to be involved in all aspects of what happens, including the course.

In 1993, I went the opposite way. I left it all to Tournament Director John Paramor to set The Belfry up exactly how it would be for a European Tour event.

I didn’t want to interfere or face criticism from the Americans about setting the course up to suit my team. I did not think that was the right thing to do.

I’m sure Thomas will wait to see the final make-up of his side before deciding on the best outcome, but I would urge him to be positive.

Spectators want to see birdies. Do we want a Ryder Cup where players struggle to make pars?

Hazeltine was set up for birdies, so we shouldn’t worry about having Le Golf National geared towards good scoring.

It would be a defeatist move if the set-up in Paris was too penal. We want a course that provides a memorable week.

But before we concentrate on France, the focus of the golfing world for the next three weeks will be on Scotland.

With the weather set fair, we can eagerly anticipate what will happen at Gullane, Carnoustie and St Andrews.

The Scottish Open has become a terrific event, thanks to the sponsors, the European Tour and the Scottish Government.

Becoming part of the Rolex Series has made it an even more attractive proposition, and it’s great that American trio Patrick Reed, Rickie Fowler and Phil Mickelson are all playing next week.

It’s also perfect that the set-up remains the same for the ladies playing at Gullane in the week after The Open Championship.

With Carnoustie only two hours up the road, it makes perfect sense for the top players to get competitive links practice in the week before The Open.

Then with the Senior Open heading to St Andrews for the first time, we are spoiled for choice with top-class golf.

The next month is a special opportunity to showcase golf in Scotland. I urge parents with children on their summer holidays to go along to one of these events if they have the chance.

I was inspired by watching Arnold Palmer 56 years ago at Royal Troon, and seeing today’s stars in the flesh is the way to target a new generation of golfers.