The PGA Tour goes international this week as the top players in the world descend on East Lothian for the annual Scottish Open. Traditionally a curtain raiser to the final major championship of the year, players will be looking to find crucial form this week in Scotland.
Check out our preview and betting tips for the event below and if you're keen to tail our tips, consider joining Betfair - a betting exchange that offers the best odds in the country!
PGA Tour: Genesis Scottish Open Betting Tips
Top Contenders
Viktor Hovland ($31/Top 20 $2.60)
The Norwegian has a strong record on links-style courses and comes into the Scottish Open in solid form, with top-10 finishes in two of his last three starts, including a T6 at the U.S. Open. Hovland thrives in firm, windy conditions and possesses the creativity and touch around the greens that Renaissance Club demands. He was T4 at this event last year and will be looking to build confidence ahead of The Open, where he has also contended in recent years.
Xander Schauffele ($23/Top 40 $2.25)
The 2022 Scottish Open champion knows how to get it done at The Renaissance Club and is trending in the right direction after recovering from a mid-season injury slump. He’s ranked top 10 in strokes gained: tee-to-green this season and has four top-5 finishes in his last six starts worldwide. Schauffele’s consistency and ability to handle difficult weather conditions make him one of the safer elite picks in the field.
Dark Horses
Tom Kim ($101/Top 30 $3.10)
Kim finished T3 at this event in 2023 and has proven he can handle links conditions. His accuracy off the tee and sharp iron play are well-suited to The Renaissance Club, and he’s quietly rounding into form with a T10 at the Travelers and T16 at the Rocket Mortgage. If the winds pick up and scoring becomes trickier, Kim’s control and temperament give him a real edge.
Alex Noren ($81/Top 40 $2.20)
The Swede is a links veteran with several top finishes in tough, blustery setups. He’s been in solid form lately, notching top-25s in four of his last five worldwide starts. Noren has a creative short game and is one of the better scramblers in the field — key attributes for navigating the subtle challenges of Renaissance. He’s also been gaining strokes with his irons in recent events, which makes him a sneaky value pick.
The Field
Leading the star-studded field is World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, making his first appearance since the Travelers Championship. Joining him are top-ranked players including Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, Viktor Hovland, Collin Morikawa, and Matt Fitzpatrick. Schauffele, the 2022 champion, is seeking to regain form after a challenging season marred by injury. Fitzpatrick, showing consistent performances in recent majors, is also a strong contender.
The tournament also features notable names such as Justin Thomas, Max Homa, Ludvig Åberg, and Tommy Fleetwood. Scottish fans will be eager to support local hero Robert MacIntyre, who clinched victory here in 2024 with a memorable eagle on the 16th hole. Padraig Harrington, a two-time Senior US Open winner, adds experience to the field.
A notable storyline is the participation of Eugenio Chacarra, a former LIV Golf winner, who enters the tournament via DP World Tour eligibility. His presence underscores the evolving dynamics between golf's major tours. Meanwhile, Shane Lowry, the 2019 Open champion, has opted to skip the event to focus on preparations for Royal Portrush.
The Course
The Renaissance Club, a 7,237-yard par-70 layout designed by Tom Doak, offers a unique blend of links and parkland styles. Established in 2007, the course features strategic pot bunkers and undulating fairways that demand precision and creativity. Its coastal location between Muirfield and North Berwick exposes players to variable wind conditions, adding to the challenge.
This marks the sixth consecutive year the Scottish Open is held at The Renaissance Club, solidifying its reputation as a premier venue. The course's design rewards strategic play, with several holes requiring careful navigation of natural hazards. Its firm and fast conditions are ideal for players looking to acclimate to links golf ahead of The Open.
Weather forecasts suggest relatively calm conditions, potentially leading to low scores. However, the ever-present coastal winds can change rapidly, testing players' adaptability. Success at The Renaissance Club often hinges on a strong short game and the ability to manage the course's subtle nuances.
