Phil Set to Thrill Again in Scotland

Phil Mickelson will make his annual pilgrimage to the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open this summer, looking to regain the title he won in dramatic fashion in 2013 as the tournament heads to Gullane Golf Club for the first time from July 9-12.

Mickelson’s next visit to East Lothian will have special resonance for the 44 year old Californian, as it brings him within hailing distance of Muirfield, where he followed up his Scottish Open success by landing The Open Championship seven days after winning at Castle Stuart Golf Links.

The Championship Course at Gullane – a unique composite of the No.1 and No.2 courses – will be the location for Mickelson’s latest start in the event which continues its rotation round some of Scotland’s most esteemed venues.

Mickelson recently showed in Augusta that his competitive desire burns as brightly as ever as he and Justin Rose – the reigning champion who will be defending at Gullane – chased home Jordan Spieth in the Masters Tournament, eventually sharing the runner-up podium.

Two years ago, Mickelson beat South African Branden Grace in a play-off to set up his successful assault on a first Claret Jug and vindicated his decision to take up residence in Scotland the week before The Open. The five-time Major Champion will be making his 12th appearance in the Scottish Open since the start of the new millennium and his sixth in succession.

With the great and good of the golfing world set to descend upon St. Andrews for the year’s third Major a week later, and in light of his fond memories of competition in Scotland, there can be little surprise that Mickelson is excited to be heading back to the Home of Golf.

“I’m happy to be coming back for the Scottish Open again this year and looking forward to playing Gullane,” said Mickelson ahead of this summer’s event, which will also mark Aberdeen Asset Management’s fourth year as title sponsor of a tournament which they and the Scottish Government have agreed to support until 2020.

“I’ve heard a lot about the course - saw it when I was practising at Muirfield before The Open a couple of years ago and am really looking forward to playing it.

“Winning the Scottish Open was a breakthrough that really helped me the next week at The Open Championship, but I have many great memories of playing the Scottish over the last ten years or so and I’m sure I’ll add to those in these two weeks in July.”

Prior to his play-off success two years ago at Castle Stuart Golf Links, Mickelson came close to tasting victory at the event in 2007, where he eventually finished runner-up to Frenchman Gregory Havret after extra holes. Last year he finished in a tie for 11th place behind Rose, thanks to a closing 65 at Royal Aberdeen.

Mickelson will be joined 20 miles east of Edinburgh by a glittering cast of performers from around the globe, including defending champion Rose, as he looks to fine tune his game ahead of The Open.

A season ticket for the 2015 Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open can be purchased for £70 in advance of the tournament, a saving of £10 on admission at the gate. Adult day tickets are currently priced at £30, rising to £35 on the gate.

Concessions (60 and over) start at £50 for a season ticket and £20 for any one day tickets, if purchased in advance. Under-16s accompanied by an adult are admitted free of charge, and all car parking is also free. Entry to the Pro-Am on Wednesday is £12 in advance, and £15 on the day.

To book tickets, visit www.europeantour.com/tickets or call 0800 023 2557.

Corporate Hospitality Packages are also available, please contact Robert Gordon on 01344 840538 or email [email protected] to request a brochure. Further information can also be found at www.aamscottishopen.com or @AAMScottishOpen.