Scottie Scheffler to play $9m event before Open defence at Royal Birkdale

World number one Scottie Scheffler will prepare for his defence of the Claret Jug later this summer by making his fifth appearance at the Genesis Scottish Open.

The American world number one, 29, will go head-to-head with reigning Masters champion Rory McIlroy at The Renaissance Club in East Lothian over 9-12 July. 

The 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale will be staged the following week, with Scheffler looking to become the first golfer since Padraig Harrington in 2008 to win back-to-back titles.

"I always enjoy coming to the Genesis Scottish Open and taking on the challenge of links-style golf as part of an exciting couple of weeks in the UK," Scheffler said in a release from tournament organisers. 

"The tournament always has a strong field, and the Scottish fans help to make it a fun week."

Last July, America's Chris Gotterup claimed his maiden DP World Tour title at the Genesis Scottish Open. 

Tied for the lead with McIlroy heading into the final round, the American showed impressive composure to register a closing 66 and win by two shots.

Home hope Robert MacIntyre, who won the Genesis Scottish Open in 2024 with an electric birdie on the final hole to defeat Adam Scott, has already confirmed his participation. 

MacIntyre became the first Scot to lift the trophy since Colin Montgomerie was victorious at Loch Lomond in 1999. 

Last year, the top five players in the Official World Golf Ranking used the tournament as preparation for the Open. 

The Genesis Scottish Open marks the first event of the Closing Swing - the fifth and final Global Swing on the DP World Tour's 2025/26 Race to Dubai schedule.

This year marks the 44th edition of Scotland's national Open since it was one of the founding events on the DP World Tour - formerly known as the European Tour - in 1972. 

It has been a permanent fixture on the DP World Tour schedule since 1986.

In 2017, it became part of the Rolex Series - the DP World Tour's premium event category.

It was further elevated in international significance, becoming the first-ever tournament to be co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and PGA Tour in 2022.

Since Scheffler claimed his fourth major title last summer, he has continued his imperious form. 

He secured his 20th PGA Tour title in January at The American Express and added a further five top five finishes, including a runner-up to the aforementioned McIlroy at the 2026 Masters. 

This is the latest addition to Scheffler's 2025/2026 playing schedule. 

Earlier in the week, the father of two confirmed he will play the 3M Open. 

The PGA Tour event will be played over 23-26 July. 

Scheffler has decided to skip this week's Truist Championship.