Scottish Open predictions: Hatton equipped to make his mark
- Jon Rahm is the only player in the world’s top six not playing at this week’s Scottish Open
- A strong short game will be essential for players to taste success at the Renaissance
- This week’s tournament is co-sanctioned by the PGA and DP World Tours so players from both circuits will be in action the week before The Open at Royal Liverpool
- Recommended bets
- Tyrrell Hatton to win and each-way
- Shane Lowry to win and each-way
- Alexander Bjork Top-20 finish
The countdown is on for the final Major of the year, The Open, which takes place next week and that has attracted a star-studded line-up for the Scottish Open that starts on Thursday.
World number one Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, who won the Claret Jug the last time it was fought for at Royal Liverpool in 2014, head the market, followed by Xander Schauffele, who triumphed at North Berwick last year.
Hatton's game is in excellent order
There are plenty of big names at the head of the market for one of Europe's most prestigious tournaments, but that should not concern Tyrrell Hatton, who deserves his place among the elite.
The man from High Wycombe is now comfortably in the world's top 20 and he has displayed his abilities in the last few weeks with some strong PGA Tour performances.
Hatton was 27th at last month's US Open, but his preceding form figures were even better than that as he posted finishes of 3-5-15-12-3 in his five outings before that effort in Los Angeles.
He is also adept in Scottish conditions having twice won the Alfred Dunhill Links and he also has three top-20 finishes at this venue.
Lowry should enjoy the challenge at North Berwick
It is three years since Shane Lowry stormed to victory at The Open at Royal Portrush and he could have the perfect preparation for the year's final Major this week by making a strong debut at the Renaissance.
It should not be a huge handicap that he has not tasted action here before as the course will be a novelty for many of those making the trip over from the States.
And there is a sense that Lowry has been flying under the radar as although he has not made a strong challenge lately, his results have been consistent.
He was 12th at the US PGA, 16th at the Memorial, 20th at the US Open and 19th at the Travelers Championship, but crucially he possesses the short-game skills that can be the recipe for success here.
Bjork's fine form is difficult to ignore
It may be difficult for some one the DP World Tour players to make their presence felt in a field much stronger than they would usually be involved in, but keep an eye out for Sweden's Alexander Bjork.
He was 19th in this tournament in 2020 and has not missed the cut in four course appearances and his form has been excellent with finishes of 4-4-29-6-9-8-4 in his last seven events.
It may be a big ask to replicate that against such illustrious opposition, so delving into the top-20 finish market looks to be the smart play.
