Rickie Fowler confirms place in Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club

Rickie Fowler won the Scottish Open at Gullane in 2015

The American, who claimed his title triumph along the coast at Gullane, joins Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Matt Kuchar, Kevin Kisner, Henrik Stenson and Jimmy Walker in a star-studded field for the Rolex Series event on July 11-14.

“I’m looking forward to returning to Scotland for the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open,” said Fowler, who also played in last year’s event at Gullane.

“I have great memories from this tournament, particularly of my win at Gullane in 2015, and with fantastic courses and knowledgeable fans, I’m always excited to play.”

The 30-year-old has already tasted victory on the PGA Tour this season, capturing his ninth career win at the Waste Management Phoenix Open in March.

He is now hoping that a strong performance on Scotland’s Golf Coast will set him up nicely for a crack at the title in the Open Championship the following week at Royal Portrush.

“It’s a fun week but it gives the tournament extra edge to have The Open the following week,” added Fowler.

“I know that a lot of players have won The Open after playing in Scotland so it’s good preparation as well as being a great week of competition in itself.”

Also confirmed for the $7 million event are defending champion Brandon Stone, as well as former winners Rafa Cabrera Bello, Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer.

Russell Knox, who will be defending the Irish Open title the previous week, is set to spearhead a home challenge that will also include Hero Indian Open champion Stephen Gallacher, Vic Open winner David Law and rising Scottish star Bob MacIntyre.

Meanwhile, Lothians ace Euan McIntosh dug deep to keep his Walker Cup hopes alive as he progressed to the knock-out stage in the 124th Amateur Championship in Ireland.

The 50-year-old Turnhouse player had left himself with work on his hands after having to settle for a five-over-par 76 at The Island Golf Club in the first of two stroke-play qualifying rounds. But it was mission accomplished as he came out with all guns firing to card a splendid four-under-par 68 in the second round at Portmarnock, where the match-play phase is being held.

McIntosh, who won the Scottish Amateur Championship at Blairgowrie last year, was among six Scots named in the initial Great Britain & Ireland squad for the Walker Cup against the United States at Royal Liverpool in September.

That group is likely to be whittled down after this week’s R&A event, with former professional McIntosh probably needing to make his presence felt to stay in the frame for a team that has only ten spots up for grabs.

• Fans can buy tickets to see some of the world’s best golfers – including official Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open hospitality packages – at www.asiscottishopen.com