World Number Ten Tommy Fleetwood is aiming to continue another stellar season when he returns to the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open, a Rolex Series event, at Gullane Golf Club from July 12-15, 2018.
The reigning Race to Dubai champion recorded his best Major Championship finish at last week’s U.S. Open, taking second place behind Brooks Koepka thanks to a remarkable final round of 63 at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, which equalled the record for the lowest round at a U.S. Open and the lowest score on the final day of a Major.
After ending last season as European Tour Number One, the Englishman continued his scintillating form into 2018, successfully defending his title in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA in January and going on to record eight top 20s from nine starts on the European Tour, including four top six finishes.
Fleetwood will make his sixth appearance at the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open as he aims to better his best previous finish of tenth position, which he recorded the last time the event was held in Gullane in 2015.
This year, the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open is once again part of the Rolex Series – the premium category of tournaments on the European Tour’s Race to Dubai, each with a minimum prize fund of US$7million, and takes its traditional slot in the schedule, the week before The 147thOpen Championship at Carnoustie Golf Links.
Fleetwood will be aiming to become only the second player after Spain’s Jon Rahm to win two Rolex Series events, after sealing the HNA Open de France on the way to taking the Race to Dubai crown last season.
Fleetwood said: “There have been a lot of positives from this season so far and I’m looking forward to an exciting summer, with the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open a key part of it.
“It’s always an enjoyable week, and the Scottish golf fans create a fantastic atmosphere but it’s also a great opportunity to prepare for The Open Championship. After coming so close in the US last week, it’s no surprise that I am more determined than ever to go one better in a Major Championship, so I’m looking forward to what I hope will be two good weeks on the links in July.
“I’ll be arriving in Scotland after aiming to defend my title in France two weeks previously. To then follow it up with The Open, it really is a great stretch of tournaments to be involved in.”
Fleetwood is the latest star to join a world-class field gathering in Gullane in July, including defending champion Rafa Cabrera Bello of Spain, 2015 champion Rickie Fowler, his United States Ryder Cup team-mate Matt Kuchar, World Number Three and 2014 winner Justin Rose, and the 2016 Open Champion Henrik Stenson.
With entertainment, children’s activities and food and drink outlets showcasing local produce, all complementing the golfing action on Scotland’s Golf Coast the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open is a perfect day out for all the family.
This year’s tournament is supporting two official charities: The My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and Leuchie House. My Name’5 Doddie Foundation was launched by one of rugby’s most recognisable personalities, Doddie Weir, and his trustees following his diagnosis with motor neurone disease, to raise funds to aid research into the causes of the disease and investigate potential cures. Leuchie House, a charity local to Gullane Golf Club, is Scotland’s only dedicated respite centre and offers caring respite breaks to people with long term neurological conditions, including motor neurone disease. To find out more visitwww.myname5doddie.co.ukandwww.leuchiehouse.org.uk
Fans can buy tickets from just £15 to see some of the world’s best golfers - including official Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open hospitality packages - atwww.asiscottishopen.com
