Sunday 12 July 2015 22:24, UK
Rickie Fowler believes he is hitting form just in time for St Andrews after completing an impressive victory at the Scottish Open.
The world No 9 completed the perfect preparation for next week's 144th Open, posting three birdies from his final four holes to take a one-shot win in difficult conditions at Gullane.
Victory is Fowler's second of the year and his first on the European Tour, with the American now keen to follow that up with a strong display at St Andrews.
"It's pretty special," Fowler told Sky Sports 4. "I played great coming in and it's been a great week. I will have a bit of time tonight to let it sink in and get right back at it next week.
"This is a big win. I had a couple of missed cuts after winning the Players, which was disappointing, so it feels good to get back on form.
"I had to dig deep. I was a little bummed to drop a shot on 14 but knew I had some birdie holes coming in. I had played the last four holes well this week and luckily 14 didn't cost me."
Fowler will now hope to emulate the last American to win the Scottish Open, Phil Mickelson, who tasted victory at Castle Stuart in 2013 before going on to win the Open at Muirfield the following week.
The 26-year-old, who finished in the top five in all four majors last year, added: "Phil [Mickelson] mentioned to me win this and there’s a good chance you win next week so I had to take care of business.
“I don’t know what’s so special about links golf but it’s my favourite. The golf course can play so different day after day and it presents a new challenge.
"There are a few things we can tighten up for next week but I am looking forward to getting back to St Andrews, the Home of Golf, and getting into contention."
