DEFENDING champion Rafa Cabrera Bello is looking forward to another warm Scottish welcome as looks to retain the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open title at Gullane Golf Club. 

The Spaniard shot a stunning course record 64 in the final round 12 months ago, forcing a play-off against Callum Shinkwin at Dundonald Links, where he prevailed to win his third European Tour title.

The current world number 25 followed up that victory – his first for more than five years – with a tied fourth place finish in The Open Championship,

And at Gullane yesterday (Tuesday), he said: “I've never defended a title.

"It's going to be a different feeling because I'm not on the same course that I was last year, so I cannot draw off those memories particularly on the course, but I will draw off the atmosphere and on the crowd."

And he is hoping for a repeat of his success 12 months ago, adding: "It's hard to plan the schedule so that you know when you're going to peak, but obviously last year, I was very, very pleased that I peaked right about this time, and this year, I'm hoping the same thing happens."

See this week's Courier for a 12-page guide to the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open, while we'll bring you coverage from Gullane throughout the championships.