World number one Scottie Scheffler’s entry to July’s Scottish Open is “massive” for the event, says Scottish number one Robert MacIntyre.
It will also be the first co-sanctioned regular event between the DP World Tour, formerly known as the European Tour, and the PGA Tour.
Forty of the world’s top 50 players will play at the Renaissance Club.
“It’s brilliant news for the tours to come together and elevate the event,” MacIntyre said.
“If a European player wins the Scottish Open this year, they have a nice ticket to a PGA Tour card.”
The Scottish Open is once again being held the week prior to The Open Championship, with some of the top players in the world using the East Lothian event as part of their build-up to the 150th running of the major at St Andrews.
“I think it’s just got stronger and stronger over the years and it’s got even stronger this year,” MacIntyre told BBC Scotland. “There’s been a lot of criticism over the years of the golf course, but they have made some great changes and it can only get better.
“This is now one of the biggest events outside of The Open – the ultimate golf tournament.”
Reigning Open champion Collin Morikawa and major winners Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas are among other top Americans to have committed to what is likely to be the strongest-ever Scottish Open field along with top-ranked home hope Robert MacIntyre and defending champion Min Woo Lee.
Scheffler has rocketed to the top of the official world rankings this year after winning the WGC Match-play Championship and the Arnold Palmer Invitational, followed by his first major win at the Masters in Augusta.
The 25-year-old, who tied for 12th when making his Scottish Open debut last year, said: “I can’t wait to play in front of the Scottish fans once again.
“I enjoyed the week at the Scottish Open last year and I’m looking forward to getting back to the Renaissance Club in July for the start of an exciting two weeks in Scotland.”
