The World No. 1 has returned to links golf, but not at the Genesis Scottish Open venue. Unlike the majority of PGA Tour pros, like Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, and more, who chose the Renaissance Club to get familiar with the unique links courses, Scottie Scheffler chose the Trump Turnberry in South Ayrshire to practice before the 152nd Open Championship.

After playing the last PGA Tour signature event, the Travelers Championship, Scheffler took a 3-week mid-season break and decided to miss the Scottish Open. The reason behind missing the event before the last major stems from his performance at the U.S. Open. At Pinehurst No. 2, the 27-year-old was one of the top picks to lead the field. However, surprisingly, he also struggled. He finished T41, carding his worst score of the 2024 season so far.

Scheffler then conveyed that his poor performance at the U.S. Open was partly related to the fact that he played the prior week at the Memorial Tournament. Despite emerging victorious there, the World No. 1 didn’t consider it a rational decision. He explained in the press conference, “I think going into the major championships, especially the ones we know are going to be really challenging. It may be in my best interest not to play the week before.” Thus, the Renaissance Club was dropped from Scheffler’s schedule and Turnberry became the better choice for practice.

Seeing the meticulous game plan of the 12-time PGA Tour winner, it would not be wrong to assume that Scheffler has created a league of its own. While his decision might be different from the bunch, however, it always works in his favor. And now the decision to play at Turnberry is an unconventional yet popular choice.

Scottie Scheffler chooses Turnberry despite R&A’s rejection

The last time Turnberry hosted the Open Championship was in 2009, when Stewart Cink beat the iconic golfer, Tom Watson. It was also the site of the great battle between Jack Nicklaus and Watson’s playoff in 1977. However, since the 2009 showdown, the R&A has not visited the historical golf course.

The R&A rejected the plea of Turnberry representatives when they asked in 2021. The organization explained that it doesn’t see a foreseeable future with Turnberry and said, “We will not return until we are convinced that the focus will be on the championship[in relation to Donald Trump owning the property], the players, and the course itself and we do not believe that is achievable in the current circumstances.”

Although the R&A has rejected the course, Scheffler said that Turnberry was in excellent shape. Moreover, legendary player, Gary Player has also praised the course as one of his top two best courses on the planet and requested R&A bring it back on ROTA as it is a historical course. With the world no. 1 now backing Turnberry, the R&A might contemplate its decision and may bring it back to ROTA.

Scheffler will play the 152nd Open Championship starting on July 18th and before that will face the media on Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. EST.