Before heading to Royal Troon for the 152nd Open, golf's elite are teeing off at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick, Scotland, for the 2024 Genesis Scottish Open. World No. 2 Rory McIlroy is back, looking to bounce back after his tough loss to Bryson DeChambeau at the U.S. Open.

Rory, the favorite at +800 odds (8/1), is up against a star-studded field. We've got 2022 champ Xander Schauffele, young gun Ludvig Aberg, and major winners like Collin Morikawa, Jordan Spieth, Viktor Hovland, Tom Kim, Justin Thomas, and Max Homa all in the mix.

 

 

 

Genesis Scottish Open 2024

This tournament isn't just a warm-up for The Open. With a $9 million purse and $1.62 million going to the winner, plus 500 FedEx Cup points on the line, it's a big deal on its own. The Renaissance Club's links-style course, with its tricky winds and rolling fairways, is perfect for getting the players ready for what's ahead at Royal Troon.

Without world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler in the field, things feel wide open. It's a great chance for anyone to step up and make a mark before the season's last major. Whether Rory defends his title or someone new takes the spotlight, we're in for some exciting golf this week with our PGA DFS picks.

The Renaissance Club: Course Breakdown

The Renaissance Club in North Berwick, Scotland, was crafted to blend its picturesque coastal setting with a modern design. The club took a bold step by hiring Michigan native Tom Doak, who spent a year caddying at St. Andrews, to bring a deep understanding of Scottish golf to the project.

The course construction involved removing over 8,500 tons of pine trees, replacing them with sand to create a natural, flowing landscape. Designed to host major events, the Renaissance Club is perfect for the annual Scottish Open, offering a challenging yet fair test with wind as its primary defense.

Xander Schauffele's 7-under par victory here highlighted the course's difficulty. The wind is the game-changer, making the course play either easy or tough. Rory McIlroy’s need for a driver and 2-iron on the 483-yard par-4 finishing hole last year showcased the demanding long iron play required.

The fairways are average in width, with minimal penalty for missing them due to the manageable rough. Players often take aggressive lines with their drivers, with only 51% of fairways hit last year—the lowest on the PGA Tour in 2023.

The greens are slower than typical PGA Tour speeds but challenging, with wind affecting putts. Key skills here include driving distance and putting. Familiarity with links golf is crucial, favoring those with good course history at The Renaissance Club and recent Open Championships.

With similar conditions expected this year, strokes gained off the tee will be crucial. Long par-4s (450-500 yards) and a driveable par-4 at hole 5 add to the challenge. Success hinges on good putting, especially on slower greens. Players who excel in these areas will have the best shot at victory.

 

 

 

2024 Genesis Scottish Open Field

Rory McIlroy returns to defend his title at the Genesis Scottish Open, marking his first PGA TOUR event since a close call at the U.S. Open. Last year, Rory's impressive win at The Renaissance Club was highlighted by a plaque-worthy approach shot on the 18th hole. Fun fact: there's never been a back-to-back winner here!

Will Zalatoris is back after a hip injury forced him out of the Rocket Mortgage Classic, and Robert MacIntyre, now a PGA TOUR winner, aims to improve on his runner-up finish last year. Xander Schauffele, with 11 top-10 finishes this year and a PGA Championship win, looks to extend his hot streak. Viktor Hovland, last year's FedExCup champ, joins the field too.

With about 75 DP World Tour pros participating, including the Højgaard and Fitzpatrick brothers, the competition is stiff. Fresh off his record-setting John Deere Classic win, Davis Thompson aims to keep his momentum. Tom Kim and Scotland’s David Law add to the excitement.

Boise State's Cole Rueck, winner of the 2024 Collegiate Showcase, and KPGA pros Sanghyun Park, Jeong Woo Ham, and Junghwan Lee, are also in the mix. Major champions Stewart Cink and Gary Woodland round out the sponsor exemptions. The stage is set for an exciting tournament with top players vying for victory.

 

 

 

PGA Stats To Know: 2024 Genesis Scottish Open

Strokes Gained: Tee-To-Green - Targets

  • Xander Schauffele - 2nd on Tour
  • Rory McIlory - 3rd on Tour
  • Hideki Matsuyama - 4th on Tour
  • Keith Mitchell - 5th on Tour
  • Justin Thomas - 7th on Tour

Scrambling - Targets

  • Xander Schauffele - 1st on Tour
  • Hideki Matsuyama - 3rd on Tour
  • Denny McCarthy - 4th on Tour
  • Alex Noren - 6th on Tour
  • Taylor Montgomery - 8th on Tour

Putting: Inside 10 Feet - Targets

  • Taylor Montgomery - 1st on Tour
  • Alexander Bjork - 2nd on Tour
  • Brian Harman - 5th on Tour
  • Denny McCarthy - 6th on Tour
  • Andrew Putman - 7th on Tour

Best Course History

  • Xander Schauffele - 1st (2 of 2 Cuts)
  • Tom Kim - 3rd & 6th (2 of 2 Cuts)
  • Tommy Fleetwood - 2 Top 10s (3 of 3 Cuts)
  • Rory McIlory - 1st (1 of 1 Cut)

My Best Bets (35-66 Overall, -7.35 Units)

  • Tom Kim: Top 20 (+140)
  • Wyndham Clark: Top 20 (+190)
  • Thomas Detry: Top 20 (+225)

One & Done Play

  • Tom Kim

 

 

 

PGA DFS Picks: Genesis Scottish Open 2024

Top-Price DFS 2024 Genesis Scottish Open

Rory McIlory ($11,900)

Rory McIlroy is looking strong heading into the Genesis Scottish Open, aiming to secure his second consecutive title. He’s a solid option for your fantasy lineup, especially with plenty of affordable choices available. Rory’s recent performances have been top-notch, including a victory at the Wells Fargo Championship and three top-five finishes in his last five starts. What’s impressive is that he’s been gaining strokes across the board in these events, showcasing his all-around game.

As a four-time major champion, Rory is renowned for his impressive driving distance and pinpoint iron play. He thrives under pressure, particularly before major tournaments, as evidenced by his four top-10 finishes in his last five starts leading up to majors. This level of consistency speaks volumes about his current form and mental fortitude.

Keep an eye on Rory’s efficiency on the 450-500-yard par-4s, where he leads the field over the last 50 rounds. This statistic is crucial at The Renaissance Club, which features five par-4s within this distance range. With Rory’s stellar track record and current momentum, he’s not just a sentimental favorite but also a smart choice for this week’s Genesis Scottish Open.

Tommy Fleetwood ($9,900)

Tommy Fleetwood might not be playing a home game at the Genesis Scottish Open, but he's undoubtedly a fan favorite. Fleetwood has been on fire at The Renaissance Club, finishing fourth in 2022 and sixth last year. Known for his smooth swing and unflappable demeanor, he's a top-5 pick in our model despite some struggles off the tee.

Fleetwood's career highlights include his near win at the 2019 Open Championship and a stellar performance at the 2018 Ryder Cup, where he helped lead Team Europe to victory. His ability to perform on links courses, combined with his sharp iron play and reliable short game, make him a strong contender this week.

While driving distance can be an advantage, it's not essential to succeed at The Renaissance Club. Fleetwood's accuracy and strategic play style are well-suited for this course, making him a serious threat. Expect to see Tommy Fleetwood in the mix as he aims for another high finish in Scotland.

Tom Kim ($9,500)

Tom Kim is ready to bounce back after a tough missed cut at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, and heading to The Renaissance Club might be just what he needs. The 22-year-old has been fantastic at the Genesis Scottish Open, finishing T3rd and T6th in the last two years. He’s even second only to Rory McIlroy in Strokes Gained per round at this venue, according to Rabbit Hole.

Before his hiccup at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, Kim had a solid run of 10 consecutive cuts made, including two top-five finishes. Known for his steady play and calm demeanor, Kim's game is well-suited for links-style courses, making him a strong contender this week.

Tom Kim has quickly become a rising star on the PGA Tour, thanks to his consistency and resilience. With his familiarity with The Renaissance Club, he’s poised for another high finish this weekend. It’s a great chance for him to get back on track and show everyone why he’s one to watch.

 

 

 

Mid-Price DFS 2024 Genesis Scottish Open Picks

Brian Harman ($8,600)

Looking back at Brian Harman's impressive week at last year's Open Championship, it wouldn't have been such a shock if we had considered his strong performance at The Renaissance Club. Just before he went on to win the Claret Jug, he tied for 12th place here, proving he's comfortable on links-style courses. But as we know, golf can throw some curveballs—like the year before when he missed the cut altogether.

Looking ahead to this week's Genesis Scottish Open, the weather conditions look set for lower scores, similar to last year's favorable setup, which plays right into Harman's strengths. He's known for his accuracy off the tee and sharp short game, skills that shine in these conditions. Harman has shown he can adjust to different course setups and take advantage of good weather when it counts.

Brian Harman's golf journey has been about seizing opportunities and overcoming challenges. With his recent successes and familiarity with The Renaissance Club, he's definitely someone to watch as he aims to replicate past triumphs on the tour.

Wyndham Clark ($8,100)

This week, I'm honing in on a few key skills: hitting long off the tee, smooth putting, and knowing how to handle links-style courses. Wyndham Clark checks all those boxes—he's known for smashing drives, consistently ranking among the longest hitters out there, and he's got a great touch on the greens.

Clark has already shown he can handle The Renaissance Club with two solid top-25 finishes. After a strong showing at the Travelers Championship, where he grabbed a top-10 finish, he's definitely got some momentum going into this event.

As a former U.S. Open champion, Clark brings both experience and talent to the table. His journey in golf has been about pushing through challenges and improving his game year after year. With his current form and familiarity with links golf, Clark looks set to make a big impact this week.

Max Homa ($7,700)

Sure, Max Homa hasn't been hitting his stride lately — at least not by his own high standards. But let's not forget, he's actually done pretty well here in the past couple of years, finishing around 12th and 16th place. Now, he's priced low enough that he might be worth a shot in your lineup, especially if you're playing in those big prize pool tournaments (GPPs) rather than the safer cash games.

The experts say he's just on the edge of making the cut this week, so there's a bit of risk involved. But sometimes taking a chance on a player with a proven track record at a specific course can pay off big time.

Off the course, Max Homa is known for his engaging personality and active presence on social media. He's not just a golfer but also a relatable figure in the sports world. With his determination and ability to bounce back, Homa's definitely someone to root for as he looks to turn his recent form around and make his mark once again.

 

 

 

Value-Price DFS 2024 Genesis Scottish Open Picks

Thomas Detry ($7,200)

Thomas Detry is a seasoned pro at The Renaissance Club, having teed up in all five Scottish Opens held there. What's impressive? He's not just shown up; he's consistently made the cut every time and even nailed two top-10 finishes, including a runner-up spot in 2021.

His current form is solid too — only one missed cut in his last 11 starts, with six of those ending in top-30 results. Detry's got all the boxes checked this week, making him a smart pick at his current price.

Off the course, Thomas Detry is known for his focused game and strategic play. He's put in the work and it shows, steadily rising through the ranks in professional golf. With his track record and recent form, Detry's definitely one to keep an eye on at this week's Genesis Scottish Open.

Will Zalatoris ($6,900)

Let's talk about Will Zalatoris this week. He had to sit out the Rocket Mortgage Classic due to his nagging back issues, which might still be a concern. But here's the thing—he's eager to be fully ready for the next big event, so he wouldn't push himself if he wasn't feeling up to it.

At less than $7,000, he's a budget-friendly option. You're not expecting miracles; a solid top-25 finish would be a win. Zalatoris has shown he's resilient and focused, traits that have helped him shine in big tournaments before.

Off the course, Will Zalatoris is known for his mental toughness and consistent performance. He's a rising star in golf circles, known for his steady rise and solid play under pressure. With his determination and talent, Zalatoris could be a calculated risk worth taking at this week's tournament.

Victor Perez ($6,300)

Victor Perez has been having a breakout season on the PGA Tour, which is quite a turnaround for him. Just last month, he nabbed third place at the Canadian Open, known for its high-scoring action, and followed up with a solid T12 at the tougher Memorial.

He did pretty well here last year too, making the cut and finishing around 35th place. This time around, our model likes him, especially for his strong stats in Approach, Tee-to-Green, and Putting, placing him comfortably inside the expected cut line.

Off the course, Perez is known for his meticulous approach to the game, always analyzing and preparing meticulously. His dedication is paying off, and he's becoming a force to reckon with in professional golf. With his recent form and strategic mindset, Perez looks set to continue his impressive run at this week's tournament.

 

 

 

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