The big one is next week, but with a full field and most of the top stars here, you’ll get a chance at links golf a full week before we head to the Open Championship. Not a massive purse: $9 million ($1.53 million to the winner), but still a chance to play some defense or do some catching up.
Cutmakers
Very simple last 12 months of golf, minimum 5 events, sorted by top 20%. I went ahead and scrolled down a few lines, purposely cutting out Scottie, Rory, and Xander (we know they’re good). MORE Adam Scott! Plus last year’s winner and a host of internationals
Distance!
A windy week would have me looking at players who could fight through it and still hit nice approach shots, but with easy-to-hit greens and pretty nice-looking weather, I do think the bombers will have a sizable advantage here as they can throw darts from close range after hammering tee shots. I don’t think this is a good enough reason to go bet on Chris Gotterup, but it should definitely be part of the calculus.
Links History
I added a filter I don’t often use in the Rabbit Hole for this one, looking at course type. I went with a three year sample (min 12 rounds) of play on both True Links and Hybrid Links to see who’s had an overall good performance on similar tracks over a sample that should include different weather conditions. Bit of a gap after the first four, with Adam Scott among the elite here!
Scottish Open One and Done Suggestions
I think Fitzy will be very popular this week, considering the form he’s had most of the year scaring most away and his sudden resurgence coupled with the fact that he’s playing on a course that suits him a bit. This is a very viable path for leaders who want to tread water. If you’re chasing, he’s not likely to gain you much ground over the field either way.
One and Done Suggestions:
Adam Scott!
Sam Burns
Aaron Rai
Ryan Fox