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Scottish Open (golf)
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Key Information
- Do=Downfield (x1)
- Gl=Gleneagles (x8)
- SA=St Andrews (x1)
- HC=Haggs Castle (x1)
- Ca=Carnoustie (x2)
- LL=Loch Lomond (x15)
- CS=Castle Stuart (x4)
- RA=Royal Aberdeen (x1)
- Gu=Gullane (x2)
- Du=Dundonald (x1)
- Re=Renaissance Club (x7)
The Genesis Scottish Open is a professional golf tournament in Scotland, and is one of five tournaments that are part of the Rolex Series, which identifies it as one of the European Tour's premier events. It has been played on various courses, but in recent years it has been played on a links course, appealing to players who wish to gain experience before The Open, which takes place in the following week.
Since 1987 it has, together with John Deere Classic, been the last chance to qualify for The Open. It has been part of the Open Qualifying Series since that series started in 2014. The leading 3 players (4 in 2016) not already qualified, have received an entry to the Open. Before 2014 there was generally an exemption category so that the leading player or players, not already qualified, could play in the Open.
The Scottish Open became a Rolex Series event in 2017 (when the series was inaugurated), which meant the prize fund was increased to $7 million. Beginning in 2022, the tournament was co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour and title sponsored by Genesis.[1]
History
[edit]1972 and 1973
[edit]The first Sunbeam Electric Scottish Open was part of the 1972 European Tour and was held at Downfield Golf Club in Dundee. Neil Coles beat Brian Huggett at the second hole of a sudden-death playoff, holing a 12-foot putt.[2] Total prize money was £10,000 with a first prize of £2,000. Sunbeam Electric had sponsored the Sunbeam Electric Tournament in 1971.
In 1973 the event was played on the Old Course at St Andrews. Graham Marsh won by 6 strokes from Peter Oosterhuis.[3] Total prize money was increased to £15,000 with a first prize of £2,500.[4]
Both 1972 and 1973 tournaments were broadcast extensively on ITV.[5][4] The tournament was cancelled when television coverage could not be arranged in 1974.[6]
1986 revival
[edit]The event returned to the European Tour calendar in 1986 when, under a new sponsorship deal with Bell's, the Glasgow Open, which had been held at Haggs Castle Golf Club from 1983 to 1985, was rebranded as the Scottish Open.[7][8] After remaining at Haggs Castle for the first year, the tournament moved to Gleneagles in 1987 and was played the week before the Open Championship. 1987 also saw the BBC broadcast live coverage of the event, and continued to do so until 1993. It remained at Gleneagles until Bell's withdrew their sponsorship in 1994 following the switch of TV coverage from BBC to SKY that year. In 1995 and 1996 it was held, without a sponsor, at Carnoustie.
The 1986 event had prize money of £130,000 with a first prize of £21,660.[9] This rose to £200,000 with a first prize of £33,330 for the 1987 event at Gleneagles.[10] This had risen to £600,000 and a first prize of £100,000 for the 1992 tournament. Despite the loss of Bell's sponsorship the prize money increased to £650,000 in 1995 but, with the event losing money, this was reduced to £480,000 in 1996.[11]
Loch Lomond
[edit]From 1997 the Scottish Open's pre-Open place on the European Tour schedule was taken by the Loch Lomond World Invitational, which had been first held at Loch Lomond Golf Club in September 1996. The top-60 in the World Rankings were invited but few non-Europeans entered.[12] The event was broadcast by the BBC. From 1997 to 2000 the Loch Lomond event was played the week before the Open Championship. These events did not use the Scottish Open name, the rights to which were owned by ISM. From 2001, it was decided that the Loch Lomond event would be known as the Scottish Open and all prior editions, including the September 1996 event, would be granted Scottish Open status. This resulted in the anomaly of there being two "Scottish Opens" in 1996.[13] The September 1996 event had a first prize of £125,000, rising to £133,330 in 1997 and £183,330 by 2000.
The 2001 Scottish Open was run without a main sponsor but from 2002 it was known as the Barclays Scottish Open, and was played at Loch Lomond until 2010. Some concern was expressed that its parkland course, very different from the links courses on which the Open Championship is played, put European Tour players at a disadvantage compared to their leading rivals from the PGA Tour, who traditionally spent a week practising for the Open on links courses in Ireland.
Links courses
[edit]In 2011 it was held at Castle Stuart Golf Links, near Inverness, due to the financial difficulties being suffered by Loch Lomond. Play was reduced to 54 holes (three rounds) in the tournament due to heavy rain, which caused flooding and landslides.[14] Aberdeen Asset Management took over sponsorship in 2012, but the event remained at Castle Stuart in 2012 and 2013 before moving to Royal Aberdeen Golf Club in 2014.[15] It was played at Gullane Golf Club in 2015 and at Castle Stuart Golf Links in 2016.[16] In 2016, the attendance figures at Castle Stuart were disappointing, with a reduction of more than 20,000 to 41,809 over the four tournament days.[17] In 2017 it was held in Ayrshire, for the first time in its current guise, at Dundonald Links, and was played at Gullane again in 2018.[18] Since 2019 the event has been held at the Renaissance Club and is scheduled to remain there until 2026.[19]
Disability event
[edit]From 2019, a 36-hole EDGA (European Disabled Golf Association) Scottish Open event of ten players takes place on the same course on the Saturday and Sunday morning of the main event.[20]
Winners
[edit]| European Tour (Rolex Series) | 2017– | |
| European Tour (Regular) | 1972–1973, 1986–2016 |
| # | Year | Tour(s)[a] | Winner | Score | To par | Margin of victory |
Runner(s)-up | Purse[b] | Winner's share[b] |
Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genesis Scottish Open | ||||||||||
| 43rd | 2025 | EUR, PGAT | 265 | −15 | 2 strokes | 9,000,000 | 1,575,000 | Renaissance | ||
| 42nd | 2024 | EUR, PGAT | 262 | −18 | 1 stroke | 9,000,000 | 1,575,000 | Renaissance | ||
| 41st | 2023 | EUR, PGAT | 265 | −15 | 1 stroke | 9,000,000 | 1,575,000 | Renaissance | ||
| 40th | 2022 | EUR, PGAT | 273 | −7 | 1 stroke | 8,000,000 | 1,440,000 | Renaissance | ||
| Abrdn Scottish Open | ||||||||||
| 39th | 2021 | EUR | 266 | −18 | Playoff | 8,000,000 | 1,333,330 | Renaissance | ||
| Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open | ||||||||||
| 38th | 2020 | EUR | 273 | −11 | Playoff | 7,000,000 | 1,166,669 | Renaissance | ||
| 37th | 2019 | EUR | 262 | −22 | Playoff | 7,000,000 | 1,166,669 | Renaissance | ||
| 36th | 2018 | EUR | 260 | −20 | 4 strokes | 7,000,000 | 1,166,669 | Gullane | ||
| Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open | ||||||||||
| 35th | 2017 | EUR | 275 | −13 | Playoff | 7,000,000 | 1,166,669 | Dundonald | ||
| 34th | 2016 | EUR | 274 | −14 | 1 stroke | 3,250,000 | 541,668 | Castle Stuart | ||
| 33rd | 2015 | EUR | 268 | −12 | 1 stroke | 3,250,000 | 541,668 | Gullane | ||
| 32nd | 2014 | EUR | 268 | −16 | 2 strokes | 3,000,000 | 500,000 | Royal Aberdeen | ||
| 31st | 2013 | EUR | 271 | −17 | Playoff | 3,000,000 | 500,000 | Castle Stuart | ||
| 30th | 2012 | EUR | 271 | −17 | Playoff | 2,500,000 | 416,668 | Castle Stuart | ||
| Barclays Scottish Open | ||||||||||
| 29th | 2011 | EUR | 197[c] | −19 | 4 strokes | 3,000,000 | 500,000 | Castle Stuart | ||
| 28th | 2010 | EUR | 272 | −12 | 3 strokes | 3,000,000 | 500,000 | Loch Lomond | ||
| 27th | 2009 | EUR | 269 | −15 | 2 strokes | 3,000,000 | 500,000 | Loch Lomond | ||
| 26th | 2008 | EUR | 271 | −13 | 2 strokes | 3,000,000 | 500,000 | Loch Lomond | ||
| 25th | 2007 | EUR | 272 | −14 | Playoff | 3,000,000 | 500,000 | Loch Lomond | ||
| 24th | 2006 | EUR | 271 | −13 | 2 strokes | 2,400,000 | 400,000 | Loch Lomond | ||
| 23rd | 2005 | EUR | 265 | −19 | 2 strokes | 2,400,000 | 400,000 | Loch Lomond | ||
| 22rd | 2004 | EUR | 269 | −15 | 1 stroke | 2,200,000 | 366,660 | Loch Lomond | ||
| 21st | 2003 | EUR | 267 | −17 | 5 strokes | 2,200,000 | 366,660 | Loch Lomond | ||
| 20th | 2002 | EUR | 273 | −11 | Playoff | 2,200,000 | 366,660 | Loch Lomond | ||
| Scottish Open | ||||||||||
| 19th | 2001 | EUR | 268 | −16 | 3 strokes | 2,200,000 | 366,660 | Loch Lomond | ||
| Standard Life Loch Lomond | ||||||||||
| 18th | 2000 | EUR | 273 | −11 | 1 stroke | 1,100,000 | 183,330 | Loch Lomond | ||
| 17th | 1999 | EUR | 268 | −16 | 3 strokes | 1,000,000 | 166,660 | Loch Lomond | ||
| 16th | 1998 | EUR | 276 | −8 | 4 strokes | 850,000 | 141,660 | Loch Lomond | ||
| Gulfstream Loch Lomond World Invitational | ||||||||||
| 15th | 1997 | EUR | 265 | −19 | 5 strokes | 800,000 | 133,330 | Loch Lomond | ||
| Loch Lomond World Invitational | ||||||||||
| 14th | 1996[d] | EUR | 277 | −7 | 1 stroke | 750,000 | 125,000 | Loch Lomond | ||
| Scottish Open | ||||||||||
| 13th | 1996[d] | EUR | 289 | +1 | 4 strokes | 480,000 | 80,000 | Carnoustie | ||
| 12th | 1995 | EUR | 276 | −12 | 2 strokes | 650,000 | 108,330 | Carnoustie | ||
| Bell's Scottish Open | ||||||||||
| 11th | 1994 | EUR | 265 | −15 | 1 stroke | 600,000 | 100,000 | Gleneagles (King's Course) | ||
| 10th | 1993 | EUR | 271 | −9 | 5 strokes | 600,000 | 100,000 | Gleneagles (King's Course) | ||
| 9th | 1992 | EUR | 262 | −18 | 2 strokes | 600,000 | 100,000 | Gleneagles (King's Course) | ||
| 8th | 1991 | EUR | 268 | −12 | 1 stroke | 500,000 | 83,330 | Gleneagles (King's Course) | ||
| 7th | 1990 | EUR | 269 | −15 | 4 strokes | 400,000 | 66,660 | Gleneagles (King's Course) | ||
| 6th | 1989 | EUR | 272 | −8 | 2 strokes | 300,000 | 50,000 | Gleneagles (King's Course) | ||
| 5th | 1988 | EUR | 271 | −13 | 3 strokes | 250,000 | 41,660 | Gleneagles (King's Course) | ||
| 4th | 1987 | EUR | 264 | −20 | 7 strokes | 200,000 | 33,330 | Gleneagles (King's Course) | ||
| 3rd | 1986 | EUR | 270 | −14 | Playoff | 130,000 | 21,660 | Haggs Castle | ||
| 1974–1985: No tournament | ||||||||||
| Sunbeam Electric Scottish Open | ||||||||||
| 2nd | 1973 | EUR | 286 | −2 | 6 strokes | 15,000 | 2,500 | St Andrews | ||
| 1st | 1972 | EUR | 283 | −5 | Playoff | 10,000 | 2,000 | Downfield | ||
Previous event of same name
[edit]| Tournament information | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| Established | 1935 |
| Format | Stroke play |
| Final year | 1936 |
| Final champion | |
In 1935 Gleneagles hosted a Scottish Open Championship held on the King's course. Total prize money was £750.[30] The R&A objected to the use of the term "Championship" being used for a tournament organised by a private enterprise.[31] Percy Alliss won the tournament by 4 strokes from Jack Busson with an aggregate of 273.[32] The 1936 tournament was sponsored by Penfold and known as the Penfold Scottish Open. Penfold had sponsored tournaments in Wales and England from 1932 to 1934. The tournament was played at Ayr Belleisle Golf Club. Total prize money was again £750. After 72 holes Jimmy Adams and Tom Collinge tied on 287.[33] In the 36-hole playoff, Adams had rounds of 68 and 69 and won by 11 strokes.[34] It was intended to hold the 1937 Penfold Scottish Open in the Carnoustie area, just before the 1937 Open Championship which was to be played there. The R&A objected to the arrangement and the event was cancelled.[35] Penfold resumed their golf sponsorship with the Penfold Professional Golf League in 1938.
| # | Year | Winner | Score | Margin of victory |
Runner-up | Venue | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penfold Scottish Open | |||||||||
| 2nd | 1936 | 287 | Playoff | Belleisle | |||||
| Scottish Open Championship | |||||||||
| 1st | 1935 | 273 | 4 strokes | Gleneagles (King's) | |||||
See also
[edit]Notes
[edit]- ^ EUR − European Tour; PGAT − PGA Tour.
- ^ a b Before 2017 the prize fund was always stated and paid in pound sterling (£). Since 2017 the prize fund has been stated and paid in United States dollar (US$).
- ^ Shortened to 54 holes due to rain.
- ^ a b Two events were played in 1996 after the Loch Lomond World Invitational became retrospectively recognised as an edition of the Scottish Open.
References
[edit]- ^ "PGA Tour and European Tour announce details of historic Strategic Alliance". PGA Tour. 3 August 2021. Archived from the original on 3 August 2021. Retrieved 3 August 2021.
- ^ "Golf – Coles wins title putting like a demon". The Times. 3 July 1972. p. 11.
- ^ "Marsh in line for Open win". The Glasgow Herald. 2 July 1963. p. 5. Archived from the original on 2 May 2016. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
- ^ a b "Golf –Scottish Open moves to the Old course". The Times. 12 January 1973. p. 7.
- ^ "Golf – Rich plum beyond reach of sponsors". The Times. 12 July 1972. p. I.
- ^ "No TV—No Scots' open". Glasgow Herald. 23 November 1973. p. 4. Archived from the original on 15 June 2020. Retrieved 15 June 2020 – via Google News Archive.
- ^ "Scottish Open rings the bell". Aberdeen Press and Journal. 10 June 1986. p. 18. Retrieved 25 May 2020 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ "O'Connor's cup bid continues". Irish Independent. 21 August 1986. p. 14. Retrieved 25 May 2020 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ "Prize increase". The Times. 9 August 1986. p. 34.
- ^ "Woosnam tips himself for double win in Scotland". The Times. 13 July 1987. p. 34.
- ^ "Rights to Scottish Open sold to IMG". The Times. 10 July 1996. p. 45.
- ^ "Leading American immune to Loch Lomond's charms". The Times. 19 September 1996. p. 42.
- ^ "Scottish Open: Historic yet new". BBC Sport. 13 July 2001. Archived from the original on 9 September 2023. Retrieved 12 July 2018.
- ^ "Bad weather suspends golf's Scottish Open". BBC News. BBC. 9 July 2011. Archived from the original on 9 July 2011. Retrieved 9 July 2011.
- ^ "Scottish Open to moves to Royal Aberdeen in 2014". BBC Sport. BBC. 19 September 2012. Archived from the original on 22 September 2012. Retrieved 20 September 2012.
- ^ "Scottish Open: Gullane and Castle Stuart host next two tournaments". BBC Sport. 13 July 2014. Archived from the original on 26 April 2015. Retrieved 23 April 2015.
- ^ Inglis, Martin (10 July 2016). "Scottish Open attendance 'disappointing'". bunkered. Archived from the original on 17 November 2016. Retrieved 16 November 2016.
- ^ McEwan, Michael (25 April 2016). "Dundonald Links to host 2017 Scottish Open". bunkered. Archived from the original on 4 December 2016. Retrieved 26 April 2016.
- ^ "Scottish Open to remain at East Lothian's The Renaissance Club until 2026". BBC Sport. 2 August 2022. Archived from the original on 2 August 2022. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
- ^ Dempster, Martin (9 May 2019). "Disability Scottish Open at The Renaissance". Edinburgh Evening News. Archived from the original on 7 July 2019. Retrieved 7 July 2019.
- ^ "Scottish Open: Aaron Rai beats Tommy Fleetwood in play-off". BBC Sport. 4 October 2020. Archived from the original on 25 June 2021. Retrieved 5 October 2020.
- ^ Crawford, Kenny (14 July 2019). "Scottish Open 2019: Bernd Wiesberger secures title with play-off win". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 15 July 2019. Retrieved 5 October 2020.
- ^ Murray, Ewan (16 July 2017). "Rafa Cabrera-Bello beats Callum Shinkwin in Scottish Open play-off". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 9 November 2020. Retrieved 5 October 2020.
- ^ "Phil Mickelson wins play-off to claim Scottish Open title". BBC Sport. 14 July 2013. Archived from the original on 24 January 2021. Retrieved 5 October 2020.
- ^ "Scottish Open: Jeev Milkha Singh claims play-off victory". BBC Sport. 15 July 2012. Archived from the original on 4 August 2021. Retrieved 5 October 2020.
- ^ Huggan, John (16 July 2007). "Mickelson's demons return to hand Havret Open spoils". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 9 October 2020. Retrieved 5 October 2020.
- ^ "Romero denies Jacobson". BBC Sport. 14 July 2002. Archived from the original on 27 October 2003. Retrieved 5 October 2020.
- ^ Jacobs, Raymond (24 August 1986). "Irish magic as Feherty again wins playoff". Glasgow Herald. Archived from the original on 9 October 2020. Retrieved 5 October 2020 – via Google News Archive.
- ^ Ward-Thomas, Pat (3 July 1972). "Coles makes a worthy champion". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 7 October 2020. Retrieved 5 October 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "The Scottish "Open" – Practice play at Gleneagles". The Glasgow Herald. 17 June 1935. p. 20. Archived from the original on 29 April 2016. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
- ^ "Golf – Scottish "Open" qualifiers – Callum and Alliss lead". The Glasgow Herald. 19 June 1935. p. 12. Archived from the original on 14 May 2016. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
- ^ "Great finish by Alliss – Final round of 66 at Gleneagles – Record aggregate in Scots Open championship". The Glasgow Herald. 20 June 1935. p. 20. Archived from the original on 16 May 2016. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
- ^ "Collinge-Adams replay – Tie in the Penfold tournament". The Glasgow Herald. 18 June 1936. p. 20. Archived from the original on 6 May 2016. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
- ^ "Record-breaking win – Adams's rounds of 68 and 69". The Glasgow Herald. 19 June 1936. p. 4. Archived from the original on 30 June 2016. Retrieved 1 April 2016.
- ^ "Scottish tournament cancelled – Result of R. and A. Club objection". The Glasgow Herald. 2 January 1937. p. 15. Archived from the original on 5 May 2016. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
External links
[edit]Scottish Open (golf)
View on GrokipediaHistory
Origins and initial events (1972–1973)
The Scottish Open was established in 1972 by the PGA European Tour, then in its inaugural season, as a new professional golf tournament to bolster the tour's schedule and promote the sport within Scotland. Sponsored by Sunbeam Electric, the event debuted at Downfield Golf Club in Dundee from June 28 to July 1, marking the first edition of what would become a recurring fixture on the European professional circuit.[6][7][8] The 1972 tournament featured a field primarily composed of European Tour professionals and select invitees, drawing around 100 players to compete over 72 holes of stroke play on the par-72 layout. Neil Coles of England emerged victorious, defeating Brian Huggett of Wales in a sudden-death playoff after both finished at 5 under par 283; Coles birdied the second playoff hole to secure the win. The event offered a total purse of £10,000, with Coles claiming the first prize of £2,000, highlighting the modest stakes of the tour's early days.[3][4][9] In 1973, the tournament relocated to the prestigious Old Course at St Andrews, positioning it as an ideal tune-up event just two weeks before The Open Championship at Royal Troon. Graham Marsh of Australia dominated the field, posting a total of 286 (2 under par) to win by six strokes over England's Peter Oosterhuis, with the purse expanded to £15,000 and Marsh earning £2,500 for his breakthrough victory on British soil. The event retained its invitation-based qualification, emphasizing top European Tour members and international pros to foster competitive depth.[10][11][3][7] Following the 1973 edition, the Scottish Open was paused indefinitely due to the inability to secure television broadcast rights for 1974, compounded by its relatively low prestige as a new event and scheduling pressures from the denser European Tour calendar. This hiatus lasted until 1986, reflecting the challenges of embedding a national open into the professional landscape amid limited sponsorship and media support.[12][13][14]Revival and expansion (1986–1998)
The Scottish Open was revived in 1986 by the PGA European Tour as a means to rekindle national interest in professional golf following a 13-year absence from the schedule, replacing the short-lived Glasgow Open and marking the event's return to prominence on the tour calendar.[13] Held at Haggs Castle Golf Club in Glasgow, the inaugural edition featured a prize fund of £130,000 and attracted a competitive field, with Northern Ireland's David Feherty emerging victorious after a playoff against Scotland's Sam Torrance, both finishing at 270 (-14).[15] This success underscored the tournament's potential, blending Scottish heritage with international appeal and setting the stage for its expansion. From 1987 to 1994, the event found a stable home at the King's Course at Gleneagles, an inland parkland layout in Perthshire that offered a contrast to traditional links play and hosted eight consecutive editions.[16] Wales' Ian Woosnam dominated early, winning in 1987 with a record-low 264 (-20), seven strokes ahead of England's Roger Chapman, and again in 1990 at 269 (-15), four clear of Zimbabwe's Mark McNulty amid steady conditions that favored precise ball-striking.[17][18] Other notable champions included England's Barry Lane in 1988 (271, -13 by two shots over Sam Torrance) and Sweden's Jesper Parnevik in 1993 (271, -9 in windy play), highlighting the course's demands for power and accuracy while drawing top European talent as a vital preparation for The Open Championship the following week.[19] In 1995 and 1996, the tournament shifted to Carnoustie Golf Links, embracing a stern links challenge with its notorious burn and firm turf that tested shot-making under coastal winds. New Zealand's Michael Campbell claimed the 1995 title at 280 (-4), edging England's Nick Faldo by one stroke in a battle of resilience against the notoriously tough layout.[20] Sweden's Robert Karlsson followed in 1996, winning at 275 (-9) by three shots over England's Lee Westwood, capitalizing on Carnoustie's strategic demands to secure his breakthrough European Tour victory.[20] These years emphasized the event's evolving prestige, with prize money growing from £130,000 in 1986 to £850,000 by 1998 and the field expanding to 156 players, reflecting increased global participation and its role as the premier pre-Open tune-up.[21][3]The Loch Lomond years (1999–2010)
In 1999, the Scottish Open relocated to Loch Lomond Golf Club, an inland parkland venue near Luss, Scotland, marking the start of a 12-year stint away from traditional coastal links courses. The move was facilitated by sponsorship from Standard Life, with the event organized as the Standard Life Loch Lomond Scottish Open; Colin Montgomerie claimed the inaugural victory at the new site, finishing at 16-under-par 268 for a three-stroke margin over runners-up Darren Clarke, Steve Stricker, and Alberto Rivabellosa.[19][20] The club, designed by Tom Weiskopf with input from Robert Trent Jones Jr. and opened in 1993, offered a 7,237-yard par-72 layout characterized by tree-lined fairways, strategic water hazards including the scenic Loch Lomond along several holes, and undulating terrain that emphasized precision over raw power.[22] The Loch Lomond era brought stability to the tournament's scheduling as a key pre-Open Championship event, with prize money expanding significantly—from £1.1 million in 2000 to a record £3 million by 2010—reflecting increased commercial appeal and field strength.[23][24] Sponsorship shifted to Barclays in 2002, rebranding the event as the Barclays Scottish Open through 2010, which helped elevate its prestige by securing invitations for elite American players and fostering stronger international fields on the European Tour.[25] Notable participants included Tiger Woods, who competed in 2000 (T6 finish) and 2005 (T25), underscoring the event's growing draw for PGA Tour stars preparing for majors.[26] Winners during this period showcased the course's birdie-friendly nature in milder conditions, with several posting low totals amid minimal wind interference compared to links play. Ernie Els secured back-to-back triumphs in 2000 (11-under 273 via playoff over Robert Allenby) and 2003 (17-under 267 by one stroke over Iain Steel), while Retief Goosen prevailed in 2001 at 16-under 268.[19][26][3] Other champions included Eduardo Romero (2002, 11-under 273 via playoff), Thomas Levet (2004, 11-under 277), Timothy Clark (2005, 16-under 268), Johan Edfors (2006, 16-under 268), Justin Rose (2007, 16-under 268 via playoff), Graeme McDowell (2008, 13-under 271), Martin Kaymer (2009, 15-under 269), and Edoardo Molinari (2010, 12-under 272).[27][28][3] Despite the era's successes in attendance and purses, the non-links format faced criticism for straying from Scotland's golfing heritage and providing suboptimal preparation for The Open Championship's windy, firm conditions. Players and observers noted that the sheltered parkland setting, less prone to erratic weather, diminished the event's authenticity as a "Scottish" Open and reduced its value as a major tune-up.[7][29][4]| Year | Winner | Score (to par) | Margin | Purse (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Colin Montgomerie | 268 (−16) | 3 strokes | £1.5 million |
| 2000 | Ernie Els | 273 (−11) | Playoff | £1.1 million |
| 2001 | Retief Goosen | 268 (−16) | 2 strokes | £2.2 million |
| 2002 | Eduardo Romero | 273 (−11) | Playoff | £2.5 million |
| 2003 | Ernie Els | 267 (−17) | 1 stroke | £2.7 million |
| 2004 | Thomas Levet | 277 (−11) | 2 strokes | £2.8 million |
| 2005 | Timothy Clark | 268 (−16) | 2 strokes | £2.9 million |
| 2006 | Johan Edfors | 268 (−16) | 2 strokes | £3.0 million |
| 2007 | Justin Rose | 268 (−16) | Playoff | £3.0 million |
| 2008 | Graeme McDowell | 271 (−13) | 2 strokes | £3.0 million |
| 2009 | Martin Kaymer | 269 (−15) | 2 strokes | £3.0 million |
| 2010 | Edoardo Molinari | 272 (−12) | 3 strokes | £3.0 million |
Return to traditional links (2011–present)
In 2011, the Scottish Open returned to its traditional roots on coastal links courses, marking a deliberate shift from the inland parkland setting of Loch Lomond to embrace Scotland's historic golfing heritage. The tournament debuted at Castle Stuart Golf Links near Inverness, where England's Luke Donald claimed victory with a final-round 63 to finish at 19-under-par 197 in the rain-shortened 54-hole event. This relocation was part of a broader effort by the European Tour to align the event more closely with the links-style challenges of The Open Championship, which it precedes annually.[30] The venue rotated among classic Scottish links in subsequent years to showcase diverse coastal layouts, including Castle Stuart again in 2012, 2013, and 2016; Royal Aberdeen in 2014; Gullane Golf Club in 2015 and 2018; and Dundonald Links in 2017. Since 2019, The Renaissance Club in North Berwick has served as the permanent home, a modern Tom Doak-designed course that emulates traditional links with its windswept dunes and firm turf, hosting the event consistently through 2025. This nomadic yet links-focused approach in the early 2010s revitalized the tournament's identity, drawing praise for restoring authenticity after the Loch Lomond era.[31] The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the schedule in 2020, postponing the event from its customary July slot to October 1–4 at The Renaissance Club, where it was played without spectators amid rising cases in Scotland. Aaron Rai of England won in a playoff against Tommy Fleetwood, finishing at 11-under-par 273, highlighting the tournament's resilience during global restrictions. The 2021 edition returned to normalcy at the same venue, with Min Woo Lee of Australia prevailing at 18-under-par.[32] A pivotal development occurred in 2022 when the Scottish Open became co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, the first such partnership for the event, which elevated its status and attracted top global talent including multiple major champions. Title sponsorship from Genesis accompanied this change, boosting the purse to $8 million—up significantly from prior years—with winner Xander Schauffele earning $1.4 million at 7-under-par 273. The co-sanctioning continued to strengthen fields, as seen in 2023 when Rory McIlroy dominated at 15-under-par 265 for a two-shot victory, and in 2024 when Scotland's Robert MacIntyre ended a 25-year drought for a home winner with an 18-under-par 262, securing his second DP World Tour title of the season. By 2025, the purse had risen to $9 million, underscoring the event's growing prestige.[33][34] As a Rolex Series event on the DP World Tour schedule, the Genesis Scottish Open maintains its position the week before The Open Championship, serving as a key tune-up for links golf while awarding FedExCup points to PGA Tour participants and Race to Dubai credits. In 2025, American Chris Gotterup captured the title at The Renaissance Club with a 15-under-par total of 265, two strokes ahead of runners-up Rory McIlroy and Marco Penge, clinching his second PGA Tour victory and a spot in the subsequent major. This era has solidified the tournament's role as a premier international fixture, blending Scottish tradition with elite competition.[35][36]Tournament overview
Format and qualification
The Genesis Scottish Open is contested over 72 holes of stroke play across four days, with players competing in threesomes during the first two rounds divided into morning and afternoon waves, followed by pairings based on scores for the final two rounds.[37] After 36 holes, a cut is made to the top 65 players and ties, all of whom proceed to complete the tournament.[37] In the event of a tie after 72 holes, a sudden-death playoff is held starting on the 18th hole and repeating as necessary.[37] The field consists of 156 players, drawn primarily from the PGA Tour and DP World Tour as a co-sanctioned event.[38] Qualification paths include the top 30 finishers from the prior season's FedExCup points list, leading players in the current FedExCup standings, top performers in the Race to Dubai rankings, and winners of recent Rolex Series and other major events on the DP World Tour.[39] Past champions receive exemptions, typically for multiple years, while sponsor exemptions fill additional spots, including invitations to Scottish professionals and select international players such as those from the KPGA Tour.[38] Players in the top 50 of the Official World Golf Ranking are often included through these ranking-based categories.[38] Course setup adheres to links golf standards, with par typically ranging from 70 to 72 and yardages between 6,800 and 7,300 yards, as seen in the 2025 edition at The Renaissance Club (par 70, 7,282 yards).[39] The layout features fescue grass throughout fairways, rough, and greens, emphasizing wind management and ground game strategies common to coastal courses.[40] Local rules may include preferred lies (summer rules) to account for uneven lies in thicker fescue areas during drier conditions, ensuring fair play without altering the inherent challenges of links terrain. The 2025 purse totaled $9 million, distributed according to standard PGA Tour and DP World Tour guidelines, with the winner receiving $1.575 million—approximately 17.5% of the total.[41] Payouts decrease progressively for lower finishers, with equal prize money awarded to professionals regardless of nationality, though the event remains limited to male players on these tours.[42]Venues
The Scottish Open has been hosted at a diverse array of venues throughout Scotland, showcasing the nation's rich golf heritage from classic parkland layouts to rugged links courses. These locations have evolved with the tournament, initially favoring inland sites before shifting to coastal links in recent decades to better align with the demands of links-style play and preparation for The Open Championship. This progression underscores the event's role as a key tune-up for majors, with venues selected for their challenging terrain, historical prestige, and ability to deliver firm, fast conditions typical of Scottish golf.[26]| Year(s) | Venue | Location | Par | Yards | Designer(s) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Downfield Golf Club | Dundee, Angus | 72 | 6,803 | James Braid (1932), C.K. Cotton (restructuring, 1964) | Parkland course with mature trees and water hazards, serving as the inaugural host.[43][44] |
| 1973 | Old Course at St Andrews | St Andrews, Fife | 72 | 7,305 | Old Tom Morris (with historical evolution) | Iconic links with double greens and 112 bunkers, known as the "home of golf" and frequent Open venue. |
| 1986 | Haggs Castle Golf Club | Glasgow | 72 | 6,426 | James Braid (original), Dave Thomas (1990s updates) | Inland parkland with strategic bunkering, marking the tournament's revival after a hiatus.[45][46] |
| 1987–1994 | King's Course at Gleneagles | Auchterarder, Perthshire | 72 | 6,481 | James Braid (1919) | Expansive parkland with undulating fairways and heather, hosting eight consecutive events during a stable era.[47][48] |
| 1995–1996 | Carnoustie Golf Links (Championship Course) | Carnoustie, Angus | 72 | 7,421 | Allan Robertson, Old Tom Morris, James Braid | Brutal links with burn crossings and wind exposure, renovated post-1995 to heighten challenge for future majors like the 1999 Open.[46][49] |
| 1997–2010 | Loch Lomond Golf Club | Luss, Dunbartonshire | 72 | 7,100 | Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish (1994) | Scenic parkland along the loch with elevation changes and water views, hosting 14 editions (1997 as Gulfstream Loch Lomond World Invitational).[22] |
| 2011–2013, 2016 | Castle Stuart Golf Links | Inverness | 72 | 7,009 | Mark Parsinen and Gil Hanse (2009) | Modern clifftop links with sweeping Moray Firth views and natural dunes, emphasizing strategic shot-making.[50][51] |
| 2014 | Royal Aberdeen Golf Club (Balgownie Links) | Aberdeen | 72 | 7,279 | James Braid (1920s, with historical elements) | Traditional links with gorse and North Sea winds, hosting for the first time in the modern era.[52] |
| 2015, 2018 | Gullane Golf Club (No. 1 Course) | Gullane, East Lothian | 71 | 6,607 | Willie Park Jr. (1894) | Classic heathland-links hybrid with firm turf and pot bunkers, pivotal in reintroducing traditional links play to the event.[53] |
| 2017 | Dundonald Links | Irvine, North Ayrshire | 72 | 6,873 | David McLay Kidd (2005) | Modern links inspired by Royal Dornoch, with undulating dunes and coastal exposure.[54] |
| 2019–present | The Renaissance Club | North Berwick, East Lothian | 70 | 7,282 | Tom Doak (2008) | Contemporary links with pot bunkers, sea panoramas, and fescue grasses, designed for wind-influenced recovery shots.[55][56] |
Sponsorship and media coverage
The Scottish Open lacked a formal title sponsor until 1986, when Bell's whisky revived the event as the Bell's Scottish Open. Following the end of Bell's sponsorship in 1994, the 1995 and 1996 editions were held without a title sponsor. Sponsorship resumed in 1997 with Gulfstream (as the Loch Lomond World Invitational), followed by Standard Life from 1998 to 2000, before returning to neutral branding in 2001.[3] Barclays assumed title sponsorship in 2002, rebranding it the Barclays Scottish Open and supporting the event through 2011 at venues like Loch Lomond Golf Club.[60] Following Barclays' departure, Aberdeen Asset Management became the title sponsor starting in 2012, with the agreement extended through 2020 amid a merger that saw it rebranded as Aberdeen Standard Investments from 2019 onward.[61] In 2022, Genesis, the luxury automotive division of Hyundai Motor Group, took over as title sponsor, renaming the event the Genesis Scottish Open to align with its global branding strategy in premium sports partnerships.[62] Genesis extended this deal in July 2025 for multiple years through 2030, emphasizing its commitment to golf's international growth and community impact.[63] Media coverage has expanded significantly with the tournament's co-sanctioning by the PGA Tour and DP World Tour since 2022, enhancing its global visibility. In the United States, broadcasts air on Golf Channel for early rounds and CBS for the weekend, complemented by streaming on PGA Tour Live via ESPN+ starting from early morning tee times.[64] In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports provides comprehensive live coverage across all four rounds, with additional international streaming available through the DP World Tour's platform.[65] The 2022 debut of co-sanctioning drove a surge in U.S. viewership, with the final round averaging 1.58 million viewers and peaking at 2.2 million, more than triple the digital consumption from the prior year.[66] The Genesis Scottish Open generates substantial economic benefits for Scotland, particularly in tourism and hospitality. The 2024 edition contributed a net impact of £19.2 million to the national economy, including £10.8 million from visitor spending and £7.8 million directly to the host region of East Lothian, while supporting 234 jobs overall.[67] These figures underscore the event's role in boosting local businesses, with annual projections often ranging from £10 million to £15 million in broader tourism uplift through accommodations, dining, and related services.[68]Disability Open
Introduction and format
The Disability Open, also known as the EDGA Scottish Open, is a dedicated tournament for golfers with disabilities. The inaugural event in 2019, launched by the European Disabled Golf Association (EDGA), ran parallel to the main Scottish Open professional event over the weekend of July 13–14 at the same venue, The Renaissance Club, serving as an inclusive platform to promote golf among players with various impairments and marking the first such pairing with a Rolex Series event.[69][70][71] The 2019 tournament followed a 36-hole stroke play format, limited to 10 international players selected across disability categories, including intellectual and physical impairments, to ensure competitive balance.[72][69] Following a hiatus from 2020 to 2023, the event was revived in 2024 as the PING Scottish Open for Golfers with a Disability, organized separately by Scottish Golf in partnership with EDGA and The R&A, held earlier in the year (May) at different venues with expanded fields. Open to both male and female golfers, the competition features gross and net divisions, permitting the use of adaptive equipment to accommodate individual needs while maintaining fair play under EDGA's World Ranking for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD) guidelines.[73][74] To promote inclusivity, the Disability Open integrates with broader golf initiatives through shared facilities where applicable, free spectator access, and on-site clinics offering introductory golf lessons for fans with disabilities. These elements aim to inspire broader engagement and break down barriers in the sport.[75][73] Since 2024, PING has served as the title sponsor, supporting the event's growth with a modest prize fund of approximately £5,000 distributed across categories.[76]Past champions and developments
The Disability Open, initially launched as the EDGA Scottish Open in 2019 alongside the main professional event at The Renaissance Club, marked a significant step in inclusive golf in Scotland. The inaugural champion was Ireland's Brendan Lawlor, who overcame a challenging first-round score of 77 to post a 71 in the second round, finishing at 148 (6 over par) for a one-shot victory over England's George Groves, the world number one in the EDGA rankings at the time.[77] Following a hiatus from 2020 to 2023, likely influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and scheduling adjustments, the tournament was revived in 2024 under the banner of the PING Scottish Open for Golfers with a Disability, organized by Scottish Golf in partnership with EDGA and The R&A. This revival expanded access to male and female golfers across various impairment groups under EDGA's WR4DG classification system, emphasizing stroke play without separate category divisions for the overall title. The 2024 event at Cardrona Golf & Country Club saw Australia's Wayne Perske claim the title with a two-round total of 143 (3 under par), securing a three-shot margin over England's Cassidy Steffens and Scotland's Gordon McLay. Perske's victory was particularly inspirational, coming just four months after severe back injuries that had sidelined him, highlighting the tournament's role in fostering resilience among participants.[78][79] In 2025, at Rowallan Castle Golf Club, England's Oliver Hirst-Greenham dominated with a seven-shot triumph over Scotland's Barry Wearing, despite nursing a broken bone in his wrist, in what became the event's largest field to date with record international entries.[80][81]| Year | Venue | Champion | Score | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | The Renaissance Club | Brendan Lawlor (Ireland) | 148 (6 over par) | 1 shot |
| 2024 | Cardrona Golf & Country Club | Wayne Perske (Australia) | 143 (3 under par) | 3 shots |
| 2025 | Rowallan Castle Golf Club | Oliver Hirst-Greenham (England) | Not publicly detailed | 7 shots |
Winners and records
List of professional winners
The professional Scottish Open, now known as the Genesis Scottish Open, has a sporadic history prior to its establishment as a regular tour event in 1972. Early iterations in the 1930s were held as invitational or sponsored professional championships, with limited records available. Below is a table summarizing verified winners from that era, followed by a comprehensive table of winners since 1972, including key performance details where documented.[19][7]Pre-1972 Professional Winners
| Year | Winner | Venue | Score | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1935 | Percy Alliss (ENG) | Gleneagles | 273 | 4 strokes |
| 1936 | Jimmy Adams (SCO) | Ayr Belleisle Golf Club | 287 | Playoff |
Winners Since 1972
| Year | Venue | Winner | Score | To Par | Margin | Purse |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Downfield Golf Club | Neil Coles (ENG) | 283 | −5 | Playoff | — |
| 1973 | St. Andrews (Old Course) | Graham Marsh (AUS) | 286 | −2 | 6 strokes | — |
| 1986 | Haggs Castle | David Feherty (NIR) | 270 | −14 | Playoff | — |
| 1987 | Gleneagles Resort | Ian Woosnam (WAL) | 264 | −20 | 7 strokes | — |
| 1988 | Gleneagles Resort | Barry Lane (ENG) | 271 | −13 | 3 strokes | — |
| 1989 | Gleneagles Resort | Michael Allen (USA) | 272 | −8 | 2 strokes | — |
| 1990 | Gleneagles Resort | Ian Woosnam (WAL) | 269 | −15 | 4 strokes | — |
| 1991 | Gleneagles Resort | Craig Parry (AUS) | 268 | −12 | 1 stroke | — |
| 1992 | Gleneagles Resort | Peter O'Malley (AUS) | 262 | −18 | 2 strokes | — |
| 1993 | Gleneagles Resort | Jesper Parnevik (SWE) | 271 | −9 | 5 strokes | — |
| 1994 | Gleneagles Resort | Carl Mason (ENG) | 265 | −15 | 1 stroke | — |
| 1995 | Carnoustie Golf Links | Wayne Riley (AUS) | 276 | −12 | 2 strokes | — |
| 1996 | Carnoustie Golf Links | Ian Woosnam (WAL) | 289 | +1 | 4 strokes | — |
| 1996 | Loch Lomond | Thomas Bjørn (DEN) | 277 | −7 | 1 stroke | — |
| 1997 | Loch Lomond | Tom Lehman (USA) | 265 | −19 | 5 strokes | — |
| 1998 | Loch Lomond | Lee Westwood (ENG) | 276 | −8 | 4 strokes | — |
| 1999 | Loch Lomond | Colin Montgomerie (SCO) | 268 | −16 | 3 strokes | — |
| 2000 | Loch Lomond | Ernie Els (RSA) | 273 | −11 | 1 stroke | — |
| 2001 | Loch Lomond | Retief Goosen (RSA) | 268 | −16 | 3 strokes | — |
| 2002 | Loch Lomond | Eduardo Romero (ARG) | 273 | −11 | Playoff | — |
| 2003 | Loch Lomond | Ernie Els (RSA) | 267 | −17 | 5 strokes | — |
| 2004 | Loch Lomond | Thomas Levet (FRA) | 269 | −15 | 1 stroke | — |
| 2005 | Loch Lomond | Tim Clark (RSA) | 265 | −19 | 2 strokes | — |
| 2006 | Loch Lomond | Johan Edfors (SWE) | 271 | −13 | 2 strokes | — |
| 2007 | Loch Lomond | Grégory Havret (FRA) | 272 | −14 | Playoff | — |
| 2008 | Loch Lomond | Graeme McDowell (NIR) | 271 | −13 | 2 strokes | — |
| 2009 | Loch Lomond | Martin Kaymer (GER) | 269 | −15 | 2 strokes | — |
| 2010 | Loch Lomond | Edoardo Molinari (ITA) | 272 | −12 | 3 strokes | — |
| 2011 | Castle Stuart Golf Links | Luke Donald (ENG) | 197 | −19 | 4 strokes | — |
| 2012 | Castle Stuart Golf Links | Jeev Milkha Singh (IND) | 271 | −17 | Playoff | — |
| 2013 | Castle Stuart Golf Links | Phil Mickelson (USA) | 271 | −17 | Playoff | — |
| 2014 | Royal Aberdeen Golf Club | Justin Rose (ENG) | 268 | −16 | 2 strokes | — |
| 2015 | Gullane Golf Club | Rickie Fowler (USA) | 268 | −12 | 1 stroke | — |
| 2016 | Castle Stuart Golf Links | Alex Norén (SWE) | 274 | −14 | 1 stroke | — |
| 2017 | Dundonald Links | Rafael Cabrera-Bello (ESP) | 275 | −13 | Playoff | — |
| 2018 | Gullane Golf Club | Brandon Stone (RSA) | 260 | −20 | 4 strokes | — |
| 2019 | The Renaissance Club | Bernd Wiesberger (AUT) | 262 | −22 | Playoff | — |
| 2020 | The Renaissance Club | Aaron Rai (ENG) | 273 | −11 | Playoff | — |
| 2021 | The Renaissance Club | Min Woo Lee (AUS) | 266 | −18 | Playoff | — |
| 2022 | The Renaissance Club | Xander Schauffele (USA) | 273 | −7 | 1 stroke | — |
| 2023 | The Renaissance Club | Rory McIlroy (NIR) | 265 | −15 | 1 stroke | — |
| 2024 | The Renaissance Club | Robert MacIntyre (SCO) | 262 | −18 | 1 stroke | $9,000,000 |
| 2025 | The Renaissance Club | Chris Gotterup (USA) | 265 | −15 | 2 strokes | $9,000,000 |
