Rose seeking form

Justin Rose will be looking to impress at this weeks’ Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open as he prepares for The Open Championship.

The Englishman is the defending champion of the event, having edged Swede Kristoffer Broberg for the win at Royal Aberdeen in 2014.

This year, the star-studded filed descends on Gullane Golf Club £3.25 million event. Apart from Rose, the field includes five-time Major winner Phil Mickelson, world number nine Rickie Fowler, as well as European Ryder Cup stars Graeme McDowell and Victor Dubuisson.

Locals Colin Montgomerie, who won in 1999, and Stephen Gallacher will be Scotland’s main hopefuls for the event.

World number one Rory McIlroy was also scheduled to play before his severe ankle injury.

“Aberdeen Asset Management have come in and they’re a great sponsor and securing the tournament for the future and putting it on links golf courses, ones perfect for Open Championship preparation, for me is key,” Rose told europentour.com.

“It’s place in the calendar is key as a lot of guys want to use it as a tune-up for a Major but when you actually win it, you really realise what a great tournament it is in its own right.

“I think the fact we were on a great links course last year in Aberdeen and another world-renowned one this week at Gullane is great. I think the model of the tournament now is brilliant. I have played Gullane back in the day in the Amateur Championship and you drive through there and see the hills and some of the sweeping par fours down the hill and if the winds with you you can really get some drives going.

“Any year that The Open is at St Andrews is special so to be in Scotland for two weeks, not far from the Home of Golf, will be nice. You finish the tournament on Sunday, drive over and get settled into your new digs and get ready for the Major.

“Winning in Scotland is special, they’re knowledgable and hopefully we’ll be able to make some more memories this week.”

The 144th Open Championship tees off on July 16 at the Home of Golf at St Andrews, Scotland.

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