HE was champion when the Scottish Open debuted in Gullane in 2015, and now Rickie Fowler is preparing to return to East Lothian for this year's tournament next month. 

The world number seven was confirmed among the field for the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open when it returns to Gullane Golf Club between July 11-15. 

The 29-year-old American has recorded three second-place finishes in Majors, most recently at the Masters Tournament this year, and he is ware of the importance of preparation, with six out of the last eight players to lift the Claret Jug having played in the Scottish Open the previous week.

Fowler said: “Gullane is a special place for me and I can’t wait to get back there for the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open this summer.

“I love links golf – the golf course can play so differently each day and its always such an interesting challenge.

"Gullane was a very good test back in 2015."

“The Scottish Open is a great week, and the Scottish fans are always so knowledgeable and appreciative, but it’s also good preparation for The Open. 

"You often see guys who have played in the Scottish Open doing well the following week, so I’m looking forward to two good weeks on the links in July.”

For more information, and tickets, visit www.asiscottishopen.com