Mickelson confirms Scottish Open defence
American will defend his title at the Royal Aberdeen Golf Club
PHIL MICKELSON has confirmed he will defend his title at the Scottish Open next year.
The American will hope to win back-to-back titles at the Royal Aberdeen Golf Club after he beat Branden Grace in a play-off at Castle Stuart last year.
The 43-year-old then went on to seal a majestic double as he won the Claret Jug at Muirfield to leave him one short of a major grand slam.
"It was a huge factor in my success the next week at The Open Championship," said Mickelson.
"I was able to acclimate myself to the time change, the weather, the wind, the links conditions.
"That helped sharpen my focus on hitting the proper shots and coming to grips with the results, good or bad."
The tournament will be played from July 10-13, 2014, and it will again precede the Open which will be hosted by Royal Liverpool, Hoylake.
Martin Gibbert, chief executive of Aberdeen Asset Management, said: "We are delighted that Phil has confirmed that he will defend his title at Royal Aberdeen in 2014.
"His exceptional double-win in Inverness and Muirfield last year can only emphasise the value of playing a true links tournament in the week leading up to The Open Championship."
