Phil Mickelson hopes to be inspired by playing a stone’s throw from the most special victory of his career as the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open welcomes a strong American contingent once more.
The American won this event two years ago at Castle Stuart before capturing The Open Championship at Muirfield a week later.
With this week’s event taking place at Gullane, Mickelson plans to visit the scene of his fifth Major victory at some point, as well as relishing the chance to display his links skills again.
“I always love this two-week stretch,” said the left-hander. “I love coming to Scotland and playing the Scottish and the British [Opens].
“It's a special year; we have it [The Open] at St. Andrews. I'm very excited.
“I have my family with me again just like two years ago, and it's just a special two weeks.
“Being right here at Muirfield brings back a lot of memories, as well.
“We have enjoyed our time over here. I've been over here in the U.K. since Saturday morning, and we've spent a few days over in Dublin, had a great time, and I’m looking forward to these next couple of weeks.
“I am going to stop by [Muirfield]. I’d love to just walk the back nine again.
“It's a very emotional place for me. It's probably the most special victory of my career and something that I cherish as much as any tournament victory ever, so to be this close and not go would be a crime. I will definitely do it.”
Mickelson has not won since completing the third leg of a career grand slam at Muirfield, but with three top five finishes in his last six starts there is plenty of evidence that the 45 year old is approaching top form.
Even if Mickelson does not return to winning ways this week, the World Number 21 believes he is giving himself the best possible chance of success at the Home of Golf by being in Scotland.
“I get a lot out of playing the week before, and I have always gotten a lot out of The Scottish Open going back to when I started playing at Loch Lomond well over a decade ago,” Phil Mickelson
“Now that it's on links golf, I get even more out of it. I think the players that come over really enjoy it. I've been getting acclimated not only to the time change but also the links-style golf.
“It led to success in the following week's performance, as well. I think the last four, five, six years, the winner of The Open Championship has played here at The Scottish Open. So I think we get a lot out of it.”
Mickelson’s Ryder Cup team-mates Rickie Fowler and Jimmy Walker are also set to tee it up this week, and Fowler is aiming to improve on last year’s top ten finish.
“I'm excited to be here,” said the 26 year old, who after finishing eighth at Royal Aberdeen was runner-up to Rory McIlroy in The Open at Hoylake.
“I love playing links golf. I played well here for the Scottish and the Open here last year, so hoping to grow off of that and it would be nice to get some good weather while we're here.”
Walker made his tournament debut in Aberdeen last year, and had no qualms about returning.
“I had a good time playing in the tournament last year,” he said.
“The fans, the people were very nice, very golf knowledgeable. It's cool, and obviously coming back for The Ryder Cup last year was incredible, too.
“Muirfield two years ago was my first experience of links golf. It was quite shocking, actually.
“I couldn't quite wrap my head around some of that, but we'll see how the conditions change or stay the same this week. You have to control your golf ball around here, especially off the tee.”
