Power Rankings: Genesis Scottish Open
It’s Christmas in July for golf fans.
The next two weeks are packed with action, starting with the Genesis Scottish Open played concurrently with the ISCO Championship in Kentucky. This doubleheader is followed by The Open Championship in Scotland and the Barracuda Championship in California. All four are official PGA TOUR events with 156 golfers each, and each will have its own Power Rankings.
The Renaissance Club hosts for the sixth consecutive year, the last three as a PGA TOUR-sanctioned site. Here are the details and top players to watch:
Power Rankings
15. Tom McKibbin (NIR)
- The sophomore on the DP World Tour was the focus of early interest at the U.S. Open (T41). Currently eighth in the Race to Dubai with four top 10s in his last five non-majors. T35 here last year.
14. Thomas Detry (BEL)
- In arguably the best form of his career with seven top 20s this season, the most recent in the last two majors. At The Renaissance Club, he’s 5-for-5 with a playoff loss in 2021 and a T10 in 2022.
13. Ewen Ferguson (SCO)
- Fresh off a victory at the BMW International Open that got him into The Open and lifted him to 16th in the Race to Dubai ranking, tops among Scots. 3-for-3 with a T12 here in 2023.
12. Byeong Hun An (KOR)
- Rested since a fever forced him out during his first round of the Travelers Championship. He’s logged four top-four finishes among nine top 25s in 2024. T3 here last year with an opening 61.
11. Robert MacIntyre (SCO)
- The lefty was the runner-up at The Renaissance Club a year ago in pursuit of his third DP World Tour victory. Before his emotional victory at the RBC Canadian Open, he had a close call here.
10. Matt Fitzpatrick (ENG)
- Scattered six top-15 finishes this season despite some erratic play. Has a T14 (2019), a P2 (2021), and a T6 (2022) at The Renaissance Club.
9. Brian Harman (USA)
- T12 here last year during a similarly spirited run to the current one. The 37-year-old lefty is in for a trip of a lifetime with his first-ever title defense at a major next week.
8. Tommy Fleetwood (ENG)
- Continues to motor along without any reason for a slowdown. In 2024, he’s 15-for-16 worldwide with four top 10s among nine top 20s. Seven-time winner on the DP World Tour, including the Dubai Invitational.
7. Ludvig Åberg (SWE)
- The 24-year-old wunderkind is seeking revenge after missing his first cut as a professional here last year. He’s been a quick study otherwise, missing only two cuts in his career.
6. Aaron Rai (ENG)
- Prevailed at The Renaissance Club in 2020. His current form is inspiring with four straight top 20s and top 10s in the last two events.
5. Viktor Hovland (NOR)
- Reunited with coach Joe Mayo in advance of a solo third at the PGA Championship. Rested and ready to defend his FedExCup title.
4. Collin Morikawa (USA)
- Third trip to The Renaissance Club, missing the cut in 2022. Since a rejuvenated T3 at the Masters three months ago, he’s 9-for-9 with four top fours among seven top 15s.
3. Tom Kim (KOR)
- Solo third here in 2022 that planted him into the consciousness of PGA TOUR fans. Added a T6 last year and rested last week after nine straight on the road.
2. Xander Schauffele (USA)
- The 2022 champ has been can’t-miss throughout 2024. T13 at the Travelers Championship extended Schauffele’s TOUR-leading consecutive cuts-made streak to 50.
1. Rory McIlroy (NIR)
- In great form and ready to defend his title. Three weeks removed from the sting of failing to slam the door at the U.S. Open, McIlroy is the man to beat.
Course Insights
The Renaissance Club doesn’t present as particularly challenging on the surface, being a par 70 with five par 3s and five par 5s, tipping at 7,237 yards. However, it’s a second-, third-, fourth-, and sometimes fifth-shot test. The course yielded the longest distance in proximity to the hole last season and was the stingiest in all ranges from six feet and in, as well as from 4-8 feet.
Weather Conditions
Wind is not expected to be a significant factor, but hole locations will serve as the primary defense for par. Putting surfaces are governed to just 11 1/2 feet in case the wind picks up.
Open Championship Qualifiers
The top three at the Scottish Open not currently exempt into The Open will complete the field for the final major.
Enjoy the action and keep an eye on these top contenders!
