6 Big names joining defending champion Rory McIlroy at The Scottish Open

Rory McIlroy is gearing up to defend his Scottish Open title at the Renaissance Club, just weeks after a tough defeat at the US Open to LIV golfer Bryson DeChambeau. McIlroy, the reigning champion, faces a star-studded field in this unique event co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and PGA Tour.

For many participants, the Scottish Open serves as a crucial warm-up for the upcoming Open Championship at Royal Troon. The tournament boasts the presence of six of the world’s top seven players, with Scottie Scheffler being the notable absentee. Scheffler, the World No.1, has opted for a short break after his sixth victory of the season to prepare for The Open, the Olympics, and the final three FedEx Cup playoff events. Following the Presidents Cup, Scheffler plans to take a well-deserved extended break with his wife and their newborn son, Bennett.

Notable absentees from the tournament include Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm, who are competing in LIV Golf Andalucia, as well as Patrick Cantlay, the only other top-10 player missing. Despite these absences, the Scottish Open features an impressive lineup of global stars. While players like Jordan Spieth, Justin Rose, and Tom Kim could easily have been highlighted, here are six of the biggest names joining McIlroy in the 2024 Scottish Open field:

**Xander Schauffele**
World No.3 and 2022 Scottish Open champion Xander Schauffele is a formidable contender at the Renaissance Club. Fresh off his first Major victory at the 2024 PGA Championship, Schauffele aims to add another title to his impressive career, which includes victories in DP World Tour-sanctioned events such as the 2022 Scottish Open and the 2018 WGC-HSBC Champions.

**Viktor Hovland**
A Ryder Cup favorite, Viktor Hovland is sure to have strong support at the Renaissance Club. Despite a challenging 2024 season, the Norwegian has shown improvement on links courses and remains unfazed by the competitive field in Scotland.

**Wyndham Clark**
Wyndham Clark, the current World No.4 and a PGA Tour winner this season, has had a mixed run of form. Despite missing a few cuts recently, his second-place finishes at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the Players Championship, along with his US Open victory, ensure he will draw significant attention during the tournament.

**Tommy Fleetwood**
Tommy Fleetwood, a beloved figure in British and European golf, is yet to secure a PGA Tour victory. His performances in multiple Ryder Cups have already cemented his status among golf fans. A victory this week would further enhance his reputation in the US, and his group, especially if paired with McIlroy, will be a crowd favorite.

**Hideki Matsuyama**
The presence of a Masters champion like Hideki Matsuyama is a significant highlight for any tournament. Despite his struggles on links courses, Matsuyama is set for a rare European appearance, hoping to improve on his T83 finish in the 2018 Scottish Open and his T13 at last year’s Open Championship.

**Ludvig Aberg**
Ludvig Aberg, a rising star in men’s professional golf, is expected to make a strong impression at the Scottish Open. Celebrating his first year as a pro, Aberg has already achieved wins on both sides of the Atlantic and played in a Ryder Cup. The Swede’s rapid ascent in the golf world will make him a popular figure among fans at the tournament.

With a lineup featuring some of the biggest names in golf, the 2024 Scottish Open promises to be an exciting event as players prepare for the final men’s Major of the year.