Introduction to the Genesis Scottish Open
The PGA Tour goes abroad, making a stop in North Berwick, Scotland, for the Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club. This will be the seventh year in a row that The Renaissance Club has played host to the Scottish Open and the third year that it is a co-sanctioned event between the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour.
The Golf Course
The Renaissance Club is not a classic links design but is certainly “linkish.” It can be classified as a tribute to Scottish links golf, built by an American, Tom Doak, who is responsible for another American links-type course, Pacific Dunes, a part of the Bandon Dunes resort in Oregon. The golf course is longer than average, playing to a par 70 that measures nearly 7,300 yards. There are five par 3s, 10 par 4s, and three par 5s. There is very little rough to speak of, and the seaside location brings the threat of inclement weather into play. The greens are fescue grass and, because of the threat of weather, will run at slower speeds.
Key Players to Watch
Many of the biggest names in the sport are participating in this event, including local countryman and defending champion, Robert MacIntyre. As a combination event, the top 75 players from the PGA Tour are in the field, as well as the top 75 from the DP World Tour. If the weather is completely benign for all four days, this can turn into a bit of a birdie-fest and/or putting contest, but we have seen this tournament be largely affected by punishing conditions as well. If and when the going gets tough, ball striking will be the key.
Expert Picks
To make informed picks, we looked at Stroked Gained: Off the Tee, Strokes Gained: Ball Striking, Driving Distance, and Strokes Gained: Approach. We also considered Birdies or Better Gained, Scrambling, Strokes Gained: Putting (Slow greens), and performance on par 4s measuring 450-500 yards. Based on this analysis, the following players are potential picks:
- Justin Thomas (35-1): Thomas has played in this event more than many top-name PGA Tour players and has a good record. He’s won at PGA National, played very well over the years at Riviera, and has won at Kapalua.
- Sam Burns (37-1): Burns has only once finished outside of the top 20 in his last eight starts. Like Thomas, he makes a lot of birdies and is an excellent scrambler.
- Ryan Fox (60-1): Fox beat Burns in a playoff last month at the RBC Canadian Open and has 19 wins around the world. He has as much, if not more, links golf experience than most players in this field.
- Victor Perez (125-1): Perez finished 18th at Memorial Park earlier this season and has seven wins worldwide, including the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in 2019.
- Jordan Smith (125-1): Smith is one of the longer hitters in this field, ranking seventh in SG: Off The Tee over the last 24 rounds.
- Kristoffer Reitan (175-1): Reitan has a win, two runner-up finishes, and a fourth-place finish in his last seven DP World Tour starts, making him a potential longshot pick.
Picks from Chirp Golf Users
Chirp Golf users are also making their picks for the Genesis Scottish Open. To participate and win amazing prizes, users can download the Chirp app and make their selections.
Conclusion
The Genesis Scottish Open promises to be an exciting event, with many top players participating and a challenging course that demands strong ball striking and adaptability to potentially harsh weather conditions. By considering the course characteristics, player performances, and expert picks, fans and bettors can make informed decisions about who might come out on top. Whether you’re following the event for the suspense of competition or the thrill of betting, the Genesis Scottish Open has something for everyone.
