STARS of the golfing world will tee off at the Genesis Scottish Open tomorrow (Thursday).

Eight of the 10 top ranked players in the world are among those lining up at The Renaissance Club.

Among those teeing off are world number one Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, defending champion Xander Schauffele, Max Homa, Matt Fitzpatrick and Jordan Spieth, Viktor Hovland and Patrick Cantlay, and 2015 champion Rickie Fowler.

East Lothian Courier: The Renaissance Club is hosting the Scottish Open from tomorrowThe Renaissance Club is hosting the Scottish Open from tomorrow

When is the tournament and what time does the course open?

The tournament officially starts tomorrow (Thursday).

However, spectators are also welcome to watch the Pro-Am taking place today (Wednesday), from 7.30am.

Gates open at 7am every day – except Sunday, which opens at 8am – and close at 7.30pm.

The tournament concludes on Sunday 10, with a prize giving, before gates close at 8pm.

 

 

What time does the action get under way tomorrow?

The first competitors – David Law, Aaron Baddeley and Matthew Baldwin – get started at 7.15am.

The starts are then staggered so that the next group of three – Will Gordon, Joakim Lagergren and Zander Lombard – tee off 11 minutes later.

 

 

Who are among the favourites?

With such a high quality field, it is quite open as to who will be crowned Scottish Open champion on Sunday.

Three of the four Scottish Opens held at The Renaissance Club have gone to a play-off with Bernd Wiesberger, Aaron Rai and Min Woo Lee taking the honours in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Last year, Xander Schauffele took the title by a single stroke from Kurt Kitayama.

American Schauffele, who tees off at 7.59am, is back to defend his title but no-one has ever won back-to-back Scottish Opens.

Also among the early starters are Patrick Cantlay (7.48am), Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas (7.59am).

Jordan Spieth, Tommy Fleetwood and Robert MacIntyre follow them at 8.10am.

World number one Scottie Scheffler is among the afternoon starters (1.14pm) alongside Viktor Hovland and Shane Lowry.

Finally, Rickie Fowler – a winner at Gullane in 2015 – is alongside newly-crowned Major winner Wyndham Clark and Tyrrell Hatton at 1.25pm.

East Lothian Courier: Patrick Cantlay (USA)Patrick Cantlay (USA)

What are the odds?

• Scottie Scheffler 13/2

• Rory McIlroy 10/1

• Patrick Cantlay 14/1

• Xander Schauffele 16/1

• Tyrrell Hatton 18/1

• Viktor Hovland 18/1

• Rickie Fowler 20/1

• Tommy Fleetwood 22/1

• Jordan Spieth 25/1

• Matt Fitzpatrick 25/1

East Lothian Courier: Robert Macintyre (SCO)Robert Macintyre (SCO)

What about the Scots?

There are eight Scots among the entrants at The Renaissance Club.

Robert MacIntyre, from Oban, is the best fancied (80/1) while Richie Ramsay, who is a member at The Renaissance Club, is rated at 150/1.

Glasgow’s Ewen Ferguson is rated at 200/1 while Grant Forrest, who lives near Haddington, is 225/1.

Kirkcaldy’s Calum Hill is at 250/1 while David Law, from Aberdeen, is at 300/1 and Scott Jamieson, of Glasgow, is at 500/1.

Connor Syme, also of Kirkcaldy, is rated at 600/1.

 

 

What’s the best way of getting to The Renaissance Club?

Organisers say those driving should follow the yellow AA boards which are placed around the venue.

They will direct you to a designated public car park which is within proximity to the golf course.

Ticket holders can park here for free whilst watching the golf.

Alternatively, those travelling by train should stop at Longniddry railway station where there will be a free shuttle bus service available to transport you to and from the golf course.

All you need to do is show your ticket and find a seat.

The bus schedule is available on the Genesis Scottish Open events hub.

East Lothian Courier: There was plenty on offer at last year's eventThere was plenty on offer at last year's event

What is there to do for kids at the Genesis Scottish Open?

The Genesis Scottish Open is a great day out for the family, made better by the fact that kids under-13 go free accompanied by adults.

This year, the kids’ zone will be bigger and better than ever featuring an inflatable assault course, face painting, magician and a balloon artist.

Families will also love the Village Stage where a line-up of live music will keep all ages entertained.

East Lothian Courier: The Renaissance Club is hosting the Scottish OpenThe Renaissance Club is hosting the Scottish Open

What can you bring into the Genesis Scottish Open?

You can bring a rucksack into the venue.

There are no size regulations around this, however you may be asked by security at the entrance to open your bag for a search.

Water bottles are encouraged as there will be refillable water stations across the site.

Umbrellas, jackets, hats, golf shoes are also permitted.

Spectators are asked not to bring any picnics, hampers, dogs (unless guide dogs) or alcoholic beverages.

Amid the uncertainties of Scottish summers, organisers have asked fans to check the weather forecast prior to attending and to wear appropriate footwear.

Meanwhile, cameras are only permitted today (Wednesday).

 

 

What about food and drink?

There will be several food and drink vendors on site, predominantly located in the Championship Village, as well as further catering and bars around the 4th green, 6th hole, 15th tee, and 17th hole.

Other facilities include water stations and the official merchandise store which will sell a whole range of Genesis Scottish Open clothing and accessories.

East Lothian Courier: 2021 winner Min Woo Lee (AUS)2021 winner Min Woo Lee (AUS)

Will the Genesis Scottish Open accept cash or card?

The tournament is a fully cashless event.

All bars and food traders will only accept credit/debit cards or contactless payments.

Are there still tickets available to the Genesis Scottish Open?

There are still tickets available across all five days.