As the summer of 2025 rolls around, the global golf stage turns its eyes once again to the rugged, captivating coastline of North Berwick, Scotland. The Renaissance Club stands ready to host the Genesis Scottish Open, an event that has cemented its place as a crucial stop on the world golf calendar and a vital precursor to The Open Championship.
More than just a tournament, the Scottish Open is a deep dive into the essence of links golf – unpredictable weather, strategic bunkering, and the unique challenge of playing the ball along the ground. It`s a test of skill, patience, and perhaps a little bit of luck against the elements.
A Local Hero`s Return: MacIntyre Defends on Home Soil
Adding immense local flavor and national pride to the 2025 contest is the return of defending champion Robert MacIntyre. The Oban native delivered a performance for the ages in 2024, capturing the title in dramatic fashion. After finishing agonizingly close in 2023, MacIntyre’s clutch 22-foot birdie putt on the final hole edged out a formidable opponent and ended a 25-year wait for a Scottish winner at their national open. His victory wasn`t just a personal triumph; it was a moment of national celebration, showcasing the passion for golf that runs deep in Scotland.
The pressure to repeat on home turf will be immense, but if 2024 is any indicator, MacIntyre thrives under such scrutiny.
World-Class Field Descends on North Berwick
The Genesis Scottish Open consistently attracts the game`s biggest names, and 2025 is no exception. The Renaissance Club will see a star-studded lineup, including players who represent the very pinnacle of the sport. Expectations are high to see how the world`s elite, such as Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, Justin Thomas, and Collin Morikawa, navigate the nuances of links golf and challenge for the prestigious trophy. Their presence ensures a high level of competition and provides fans with plenty of storylines to follow throughout the week.
Stakes Are High: Prize Money and Points
Beyond the bragging rights and the challenge of the course, significant rewards are on offer. Players will compete for a substantial total purse of $9 million. The champion will not only claim a sizable portion of that ($1.5 million) but also earn 500 crucial FedEx Cup points, providing a major boost as the season progresses.
How to Follow the Action
For fans eager to witness every chip, putt, and battle against the wind, coverage of the 2025 Genesis Scottish Open is readily available. The tournament runs from Thursday, July 10, through Sunday, July 13.
Enthusiasts can tune into the action via ESPN`s streaming platforms, including ESPN+ and Disney+ through the ESPN streaming hub. The schedule for coverage is as follows (all times Eastern):
- Thursday, July 10: First Round Coverage begins at 2:00 a.m. ET
- Friday, July 11: Second Round Coverage begins at 2:00 a.m. ET
- Saturday, July 12: Third Round Coverage begins at 4:15 a.m. ET
- Sunday, July 13: Fourth Round Coverage begins at 4:15 a.m. ET
Coverage is expected to include both the main broadcast feed and dedicated coverage of featured groups, allowing viewers to follow their favorite players closely.
Get ready for a week of world-class golf in a truly spectacular setting. The 2025 Genesis Scottish Open promises drama, skill, and the unique charm that only links golf on the Scottish coast can provide.