"I expect the winner of next week's British Open will be in the field this week."

Lawrence Donegan previews the Scottish Open at Castle Stuart and says the players are already raving about the course and the return of links style golf the week prior to the Open Championship. So much so that Phil Mickelson (quoted above) believes the winner next week is in the field this week.

The players themselves are relishing the opportunity. "There are so many options on the course, with so many ways to play the same holes," said Padraig Harrington, and Mickelson suggested the beauty of Hanse's design is its emphasis on making players – professional and amateur – think, and allowing them to enjoy the experience of playing golf.

"Most modern‑day architects have this feeling ... that they must make every hole long and hard and totally unplayable," he said. "And unfortunately that attitude has driven a lot of people away from the game of golf. Castle Stuart brings back the fun. There are options around the greens, you can go through the air with a lob shot, you can bump-and-run the ball with a five-iron. All the options are being brought back into play."

For American viewers, your television times for The Barclays Scottish Open:

Airtimes (Eastern):
Thursday                     9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (Live)
Friday                          9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (Live)
Saturday                      8 a.m.- 12:15 p.m. (Live) / 2-6 p.m. ET (Replay)
Sunday                        8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (Live) / 2-6 p.m. ET (Replay)