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Katie Goodale-USA TODAY Sports

2024 Women’s Scottish Open preview: Field, odds, venue, weather and more

Originally posted on Almost Average Golf | By Keegan Rush | Last updated Aug 15, 2024 2:23 PM ET

The ISPS Handa is scheduled for August 15-18 at the historic Dundonald Links on the coast of Ayrshire, Scotland. This tournament, one of the most highly anticipated events on the women’s golf calendar, brings together the top players from the LPGA Tour and the Ladies European Tour, all preparing for the final Major of the year, the AIG Women’s Open.

Women’s Scottish Open: The Dundonald Links Challenge

Dundonald Links is a par 72 course spanning 6,563 yards. It offers a unique blend of Scottish natural beauty and the classic links course challenge. Following a recent $32 million investment, this course has been redesigned and is now one of the UK’s finest golf resorts.

The course features undulating fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and greens that test players’ accuracy. Dundonald requires a tactical approach and precise execution.

The turf is in excellent condition, with fast greens and firm fairways that reward well-executed shots but punish mistakes. Scotland’s unpredictable weather and the natural features of the course ensure that players will face a full test of their golfing skills.

Women’s Scottish Open: Weather Conditions

The weather is always a crucial factor in tournaments in Scotland, and the Women’s Scottish Open will be no exception. During the tournament days, conditions are expected to be consistent with those typically experienced during a Scottish summer, with temperatures ranging from 13 to 20 degrees Celsius.

Wind speed and direction will also be significant factors, with gusts reaching 30 km/h expected to blow from the north during the first two rounds and shifting to the east for the final round. These conditions are typical of links courses and can present a challenge to players attempting straightforward shots.

Adjusting strategies and relying on the ability to control the trajectory of the ball in these circumstances will be essential.

Additionally, the possibility of light rain exists, which could soften the greens and alter the speed of the putts. This type of weather requires players to be prepared to adjust their game on the fly, adapting to changing conditions.

Favorites and Players to Watch at the Women’s Scottish Open

The field of the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open 2024 boasts one of the strongest lineups outside the majors, with 17 major title winners participating and a combined total of 24 majors. Among them is defending champion Celine Boutier, who will be seeking to defend her victory at Dundonald after a highly successful year that included her first major title at the Amundi Evian Championship.

Lydia Ko, the recent gold medalist at the Paris Olympics and a member of the LPGA Golf Hall of Fame, will also be a contender to watch. Her experience on links and her ability to handle challenging conditions make her a strong contender for the trophy.

Another player to monitor at the Women’s Scottish Open is Rose Zhang, the Cognizant Founders Cup champion, who has had an exceptional season in her inaugural year on the LPGA Tour. Despite her relative youth, Zhang has demonstrated a maturity and talent that positions her as a top contender.

Additionally, players such as Lilia Vu, currently ranked second in the world, and Ayaka Furue, the winner of the Amundi Evian Championship, will also be in contention, seeking to refine their games ahead of the AIG Women’s Open the following week.

The Women’s Scottish Open presents a unique opportunity for players to prepare for the final major of the season, while also serving as a crucial platform for assessing the level of competitiveness following the Olympics.

The tournament is also significant in its ability to highlight the power of sport to unite communities, as noted by the title sponsor, ISPS HANDA. This event is more than just a golf tournament; it is a celebration of female talent and a showcase of how golf can inspire and transform lives.

Take a look at who else is in the field this week at the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open: