I am massively excited the European Tour is returning to Castle Stuart Golf Links this year.
The Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open has become one of the best events on the tour.
It is always a very strong field, packed with major champions and top 50 players, held at a superb links venue.
Royal Aberdeen and Gullane Links both proved to be very successful hosts of the event, but it is great the tournament is heading back to Inverness.
I genuinely think European Tour events held in Scotland reach a different level because of the passion of the Scottish people for the game.
We know what we like.
All of the events at Castle Stuart have been tremendously well supported. The galleries turned out in grand style to watch the three previous tournaments at Castle Stuart so they deserve to have the Scottish Open on their doorstep once again.
I know there is plenty of sport on television this summer, but I don’t believe that will have any adverse impact on the crowds at the Scottish Open.
Castle Stuart has produced some great champions and everyone is well aware of Phil Mickelson’s spectacular double in 2013 when he won the Scottish Open and the Open championship at Muirfield in successive weeks.
I like the fact we get to see lots of birdies and attacking golf at Castle Stuart.
It provides an opportunity for the players to display their prowess because sometimes it can become a bit of a slog when players are simply trying to grind out pars.
The previous winners at Castle Stuart – Mickelson, Jeev Milkha Singh and Luke Donald – all finished well under par so the players will know they need to chase birdies from the start if they are going to finish near the top of the leaderboard come the end of the week.
I know there is a desire from the title sponsor and the event organisers to move the tournament around the country, which is a nice idea because Scotland has so many great courses.
But I firmly believe it wouldn’t harm the championship if it was held at Castle Stuart every year.
It is a superb venue and I know plans have been lodged for a second championship course.
It will be interesting to see how that course will differ to the original, which provides a challenge players of all abilities can enjoy.
Perhaps the second course will be tougher or perhaps Castle Stuart is simply receiving so much business they feel they can support two similar courses.
I’m sure those in charge of the course will have done their research but there is no doubt this year’s Scottish Open host is a real gem.
Enjoy it. And savour this week.