Oosthuizen staying Stateside

Open champion Louis Oosthuizen has said that a love of tractors is behind his decision to skip this week's Scottish Open.

Tractor-loving Open champion playing in John Deere Classic this week

Open champion Louis Oosthuizen has said that a love of tractors is behind his decision to skip this week's Scottish Open. A week before he defends his title at Royal St George's, the South African has elected to remain in the United States and contest the John Deere Classic instead. The sponsor of the PGA Tour event manufacture agricultural equipment and Oosthuizen, who spent part of his Open winnings on a tractor, will visit their factory as well as play in Silvis, Illinois. "It was a big dream for me, coming from a farm, and I always wanted to go to the John Deere factory," said Oosthuizen. "I got in the combine and drove around. I don't think it something that you usually do, but it was good fun. "It was not an easy decision, but I messed up my schedule a little bit and I need to get 15 tournaments in America. "When I saw the John Deere Classic I realised that I could come and play this. They have the charter to Kent and I also think it's a good week to get the swing right for next week." The Scottish Open will be contested at Castle Stuart near Inverness.