Ladies Scottish Open: Martin Dempster's essential guide to event

All you need to know about event at The Renaissance Club
Japan's Hinako Shibuno, who was nicknamed the 'Smiling Cinderella' as she charmed everyone en route to winning the AIG Women's Open at Woburn last year, is among the star names in the Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open this week. Picture: Tristan JonesJapan's Hinako Shibuno, who was nicknamed the 'Smiling Cinderella' as she charmed everyone en route to winning the AIG Women's Open at Woburn last year, is among the star names in the Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open this week. Picture: Tristan Jones
Japan's Hinako Shibuno, who was nicknamed the 'Smiling Cinderella' as she charmed everyone en route to winning the AIG Women's Open at Woburn last year, is among the star names in the Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open this week. Picture: Tristan Jones

Who are the stars in field?

The line up includes three of the world's top 10, led by in-form American Danielle Kang, who is bidding for a hat-trick after landing back-to-back wins in the LPGA Drive-On Championship and Marathon LPGA Classic in Ohio within the last fortnight. The world No 2 is joined by fifth-ranked Nasa Hataoka from Japan and Australia's Minjee Lee, the world No 8. Hataoka's compatriot Hinako Shibuno, the reigning AIG Women's Open champion, is also in the field.

How many Scots are in the line up?

Seven, including two-time winner and Europe's Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew. The North Berwick woman is playing on a sponsor's invitation along with Gemma Dryburgh, who will be hoping to maintain the form that saw her record back-to-back wins in the Rose Ladies Series before recording a first top-10 on the LPGA in the first of those events in Ohio.

What is the format?

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A total of 144 players from 32 different countries will play 36 holes of stroke-play over the first two days, with the top 70 and ties progressing to the final two rounds on Saturday and Sunday.

Is it a decent purse?

It certainly is thanks to the event's status having been elevated through it being co-sanctioned by the Ladies European Tour and the US-based LPGA Tour. The total prize pot is $1.5 million, making it a career-changing opportunity for some players.

Can it open some doors?

Yes. No less than 21 spots are up for grabs in next week's AIG Women's British Open at Royal Troon, where the major is being played for the first time. Former winner Matthew, Dryburgh and Carly Booth are the three Scots currently in that field, meaning Michele Thomson, Kelsey MacDonald, Kylie Henry and Alison Muirhead all have added incentives this week.

How is the course being set up?

It will play to a par 71 and is set to measure a maximum of 6,453 yards. The routing for the Tom-Doak designed course has been changed from last year. The club's 1st to 6th before playing the normal 16th, 14th and 15th to end the front nine. Players will then play the club's 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th before ending with the normal 17th and 18th. Last year 10 to 16 played as the 1st to 7th and the 10th to 16th the opposite.

Is the weather going to play a part?

It has certainly been softened by some heavy rain recently, though that wetness was welcomed by greenkeeping staff following a very dry spring. A mix of low cloud and drizzle could cause visibility issues for the 6.30am start on Thursday, when a breezy NE wind is set to increase by late morning at speeds of 10-20mph. Stable conditions are being forecast for Friday and Saturday.

Are spectators allowed in?

No. As is the case with all big golf events at the moment, including the current UK Swing on the men's European Tour and also last week's US PGA Championship in San Francisco, this tournament is being played behind closed doors.

Where can you watch it?

The event will be on Sky Sports on all four days between noon and 4pm. It starts on Sky Sports Mix and the red button then is on the main channel from 2pm.

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