Captain Furyk Plans Pre-Open Championship Scouting Trip, But Who Will Show Up?

Ewan Murray considers Jim Furyk's plan for a pre-Open trip to the Ryder Cup venue and wonders if a repeat of Tom Watson's shockingly unsuccessful effort at Gleneagles is likely.

As Murray notes, going before the Open will test the strength of Team USA's now-vaunted bond, possibly leaving the captains to do the scouting on their own. But even Mr. Team USA and future captain Tiger should probably be getting in some links golf instead of some inland aerial play.

Tiger Woods traditionally appears at the Open course for practice from the pre-tournament Saturday but has already been named as one of the USA’s vice-captains. Woods retains hopes of making a playing appearance in France. Eyebrows would be raised if Woods puts his Open bid before his role within Furyk’s backroom staff.

Phil Mickelson routinely plays in the Scottish Open but there has been no confirmation yet relating to that, just as the John Deere cast list has been slow to emerge. Rickie Fowler won the Scottish Open the last time it was at Gullane in 2015. Justin Thomas, the world No 1, has committed to playing at Le Golf National in the French Open next month.

Perhaps the real question: with three to four practice rounds, how much scouting becomes too much scouting? Especially since Europe will still have a huge home course advantage in the local knowledge department.