This weekend’s Genesis Scottish Open represents the last opportunity for a select few experienced and emerging stars to secure their place in the field for the 2025 Open at Royal Portrush.
The Open Qualifying Series finished at The Renaissance Club, meaning the top three non-exempt finishers at the event will receive the final spots in the field for the final Major of the season.
From Ryder Cup veterans to recent low-scorers, the competition this weekend will be steep for the three coveted places.
Who needs a top-three finish this weekend at the Genesis Scottish Open?
Jake Knapp
- OWGR Ranking: 86
- PGA Tour wins: 1
- Best finish at The Open: N/A
- Career Highlight: Mexico Open 2024
It’s been an interesting season for Knapp, who’s been in contention for several tournaments with his incredible low scoring, including a bogey-free 59 at the Cognizant Classic. But he’s struggled to get over the line and needs to put together the pieces this weekend.
2024 brought his first PGA Tour win at the Mexico Open, and he will have to be in the top three non-exempt finishers at the Genesis Scottish Open if he wants to cement a first entry to The Open at Royal Portrush.
Alex Noren
- OWGR Ranking: 81
- PGA Tour wins: N/A
- Best finish at The Open: T6 (2017)
- Career Highlight: BMW PGA Championship 2017
Alex Noren is a seasoned professional who’s performed well at links events before, shining in big European Tour events.
The Swedish star’s top 10 finish in 2017 shows he can mix it with the best at tough links golf courses on the biggest stage. The Scottish Open will be a test of his consistency as he aims to secure a place in The Open.
Danny Willett
- OWGR Ranking: 298
- PGA Tour wins: 1
- Best finish at The Open: T6 (2015 & 2019)
- Career Highlight: Masters 2016
Willett’s pedigree in Major tournaments is unquestionable, with two sixth-place finishes at The Open and, of course, his famous Masters 2016 win at Augusta National.
Despite his ranking slipping, his experience and ability to rise to the occasion could be what’s needed for the required top-three finish at The Renaissance Club.
Luke Donald
- OWGR Ranking: 861
- PGA Tour wins: 5
- Best finish at The Open: T5 (2009 & 2012)
- Career Highlight: 5 x Ryder Cup winner & 2025 Captain
The 2025 Europe Ryder Cup captain will be watching the proceedings over the following months closely, and what better way than lining up in the field at Royal Portrush.
Though later in his career, the former world number one is a big-time player who comes alive with support close to home. But his Ryder Cup duties have put his playing career into the periphery, and it would take a monumental effort to land a top-three finish this weekend.
Andy Sullivan
- OWGR Ranking: 213
- PGA Tour wins: N/A
- Best finish at The Open: T12 (2016)
- Career Highlight: Ryder Cup 2016 player
The Warwickshire man’s career has been marked by gritty comebacks, with his pedigree valued as a member of Europe’s Ryder Cup team in 2016.
His solid experience at The Open and experience in high-pressure matches make him a dark horse capable of sneaking into the top three and sealing one of the last available slots.
Nicolai Højgaard
- OWGR Ranking: 111
- PGA Tour wins: N/A
- Best finish at The Open: T23 (2023)
- Career Highlight: Ryder Cup 2023 winner
The young Dane has been ranked in the world’s top 30 and is clearly rated with his inclusion in the winning European 2o23 winning side and solid efforts in Major Championships to date.
His twin brother, Rasmus, is already in the field for The Open this year, and he will be hoping his aggressive play and knack for delivering strong closing rounds could see him among the top three non-exempt finishers at the Scottish Open.
Alex Fitzpatrick
- OWGR Ranking: 256
- PGA Tour wins: N/A
- Best finish at The Open: T17 (2023)
- Career Highlight: British Challenge 2023
Another player desperate to join his brother in The Open field, Alex Fitzpatrick is making great progress and a recent Challenge Tour win will fill him with confidence at The Renaissance Club.
A top-three finish in Scotland would not only secure The Open berth but also mark a significant step up as he follows in the footsteps of older brother Matt.
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Article Link: The Open 2025: Luke Donald amongst SEVEN big names in danger at Scottish Open