Thursday 9 July 2015 13:28, UK
Justin Rose is expecting Gullane to provide a tough test as he looks to defend his Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open title this week.
Rose is the highest ranked player in the field following Rory McIlroy’s withdrawal and has been in excellent form on the PGA Tour this season, with victory at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans going alongside strong showings at the Masters and the Memorial.
The world No 7 has strong memories of this tournament having secured a two-shot victory over Kristoffer Broberg at Royal Aberdeen 12 months ago, with the Englishman wanting to produce a similar performance this week.
“Winning on a links course I think for the first time in my career, I view that as a big source of confidence in these next two weeks,” Rose told Sky Sports. “I feel like coming off the back of the US Open we’ve almost had a prolonged spell of links golf.
“You’re still going to have those tests you normally face, but potentially at St Andrews it’ll be fiery and less bouncy than years past.
“You’ve got to avoid all the bunkers, be strategic off the tee and you play the game very differently to how you traditionally would most other weeks.”
Rose will play alongside home favourite Marc Warren and 2013 Scottish Open champion Phil Mickelson for the first two rounds, while Rickie Fowler features in one of the morning marquee groups with Ryder Cup team mates Ian Poulter and Jamie Donaldson.
“For the Scottish guys, it's definitely the fifth major,” Warren said. “Outside of the majors, it doesn't get any bigger than this. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Watch the Scottish Open live throughout the week on Sky Sports 4 – your home of golf.
