2024 Genesis Scottish Open Preview: Field, odds, picks and more

As the road to the year’s final Major Championship winds down, the PGA Tour makes its second annual pilgrimage, this time to the home of golf. The 2024 Genesis Scottish Open will be played at the Renaissance Club in North Berwick. This links-style course, known for its challenging and variable conditions, stretches to 7,237 yards and plays as a par 70. The total purse for the tournament is $9 million, with $1.62 million awarded to the winner.

The Renaissance Club has hosted the Genesis Scottish Open for the last five years, providing a mix of thrilling shootouts and grueling battles against the elements. The course’s natural imperfections and variable weather conditions demand creativity and skill from the players, making it a true test of links golf. Rory McIlroy, last year’s champion, triumphed with a score of 15-under, demonstrating his ability to navigate this challenging layout.

Genesis Scottish Open: Weather and Course Condition

The Renaissance Club is primed and ready for the Genesis Scottish Open, with the grounds crew ensuring that the fairways and greens are in peak condition. The course features fescue grasses typical of links courses, which provide a firm and fast playing surface.

Players will need to be precise with their approach shots, as the greens are known for their subtle undulations and slower speed compared to American courses.

Weather conditions are expected to be relatively mild for the Genesis Scottish Open, with forecasts predicting light winds and moderate temperatures in the low 60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit. However, players and fans alike know that Scottish weather can be unpredictable, and sudden changes in wind speed or direction could play a crucial role in the outcome of the event. Staying adaptable and managing the elements will be key for success.

Genesis Scottish Open: The Field

The Genesis Scottish Open will feature a stellar lineup of the world’s best golfers. Defending champion Rory McIlroy will be returning, looking to repeat his triumph. Other notable contenders include Tommy Fleetwood, known for his proficiency in windy conditions and his recent form, ranking fifth in strokes gained total over the last three months. Fleetwood’s ability to handle links courses makes him a formidable opponent.

Min Woo Lee, the 2021 champion, also returns to the Renaissance Club. Lee has shown flashes of brilliance on the PGA Tour this year, most recently with a T2 finish at the Rocket Mortgage Classic. His experience and success on links courses give him a significant advantage.

Additionally, top-ranked players like Scottie Scheffler and former champion Xander Schauffele will be competing, ensuring a highly competitive field.

Genesis Scottish Open: Expert and Sleeper Picks

Expert Picks:

Tommy Fleetwood (22-1): Fleetwood’s proficiency in the wind and on slower green complexes makes him a perennial threat in links golf. His recent form is impressive, with consistent top-30 finishes and strong ball-striking statistics. Fleetwood’s familiarity with the conditions and his all-around game make him a top contender for the title.

Min Woo Lee (25-1): Lee’s past victory at the Renaissance Club and his recent form, including a T2 finish at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, highlight his potential. His knowledge of how to play links courses in windy conditions provides a strategic edge, making him a solid pick to win the tournament for the second time.

Sleeper Picks:

Denny McCarthy (80-1): McCarthy has been in solid form recently, with five consecutive top-40 finishes, including a T7 at the John Deere Classic. While this is his debut at the Scottish Open, his exceptional putting skills and ability to handle par-3s make him a dark horse worth considering. If the tournament comes down to who can sink the most putts in windy conditions, McCarthy’s odds are appealing.

Jordan Smith (110-1): A lesser-known name, Smith has shown flashes of potential on the European Tour. He has performed well in previous links-style events and is familiar with the unique challenges they present. Smith’s ability to stay composed under pressure and his knack for navigating difficult courses make him a sleeper pick who could surprise many.