Loch Lomond, July 09: Open champion Ernie Els is one of seven former Scottish Open winners who will make up a formidable field at this year's tournament.
Els, who won at Loch Lomond in 2000, will be joined by Retief Goosen (2001), Colin Montgomerie (1999), Lee Westwood (1998), Tom Lehman (1997), Thomas Bjorn (1996) and defending champion Eduardo Romero.
Els, the world number two, was full of praise for the Loch Lomond course. "It's absolutely beautiful, even more so if the weather turns out to be good," said the 33-year-old South African on his official website. "It's one of the most immaculately prepared golf courses we play anywhere in the world. It really is that good.
"Last year, unfortunately, I played quite poorly here despite opening with a 68.
"For the rest of the week my iron play, in particular, was a real struggle, not exactly what you look for in the build-up to an Open."



The Scottish Open comes just a week before the Open Championship and is seen by many players as ideal preparation ahead of the third Major of the year. This year's field read like a who's who of world golf, with a particularly strong contingent from across the Atlantic.



Tom Lehman, the 1997 Open champion, is joined by world number eight Phil Mickelson, 1995 Open champion John Daly, Fred Funk and leading amateur Ricky Barnes. But 1995 Masters champion Fred Couples has withdrawn because of a back complaint.



Aside from the honour of claiming the Scottish Open title, this year's competition is given added spice by the fact that 15 places for the Open are on offer for players still without an exemption.


Bureau Report