FOURTEEN-time Major winner Tiger Woods could be set to play in the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open at Gullane in July.

Justin Rose, who was last week confirmed among the field for the Scottish Open's second return to Gullane Golf Club in three years, dropped a hint that Woods could play in the event for the first time in more than 20 years.

The injury-plagued American's last appearance in a Scottish Open was as an amateur at Carnoustie in 1996.

He has, though, recovered from a long-term back injury and finished inside the top 10 on three occasions on the US Tour since his return

Rose, is in the same management stable as Woods, and at a teleconference at Gullane Golf Club last Tuesday evening, suggested Woods may be open to the idea of playing in East Lothian.

He said: “I think Tiger is definitely more open to changes in his schedule now than he has ever been before.

“I think when we saw him playing at the peak of his powers, he knew what worked for him and he stuck to it.

"I think now he's trying to find his way back to being his best, and I think he does need to explore other options.

"But he's been a guy that's always prepared his own way – he obviously knows how to get the job done."

Rose was, though, quick to stress he has "not been pressing" Woods on the issue, adding: " I haven't spent time with Tiger too much this year."

And weighing up the chances of seeing Woods in Gullane, he added: "It wouldn't surprise me – I wouldn't bet on it but it wouldn't surprise me."