Lydia Ko: Olympic champion relishes Women’s Scottish Open return

Ko wanted to play the Scottish Open to prepare her for links golf before next week’s major.

“I just wanted to kind of stick to my schedule and I think it’s a good thing, especially kind of playing into something as big as The Open,” she said. “I always enjoy playing links and we don’t really get to play these type of golf courses very much in the year.”

World number two Lilia Vu, the highest-ranked player in the field, was delighted with “really beautiful” weather that greeted Wednesday’s pro-am but realises that is unlikely to be the case for all four rounds.

“I think my goal this week is just to be adaptable to the weather, whatever it is,” she said. “I know some weather is going to be coming in.”

Defending champion Celine Boutier, who finished 18th at the Olympics, views the changeable weather as just “part of the experience of Scottish courses”.

“It’s very nice to be coming back here – a lot of good memories here,” she said.

For Scottish number one Gemma Dryburgh, winning her home tournament is a “dream of mine” as she looks to emulate compatriot Bob MacIntyre’s victory in a world-class field at this year’s men’s Scottish Open.

“Watching Bob win at Renaissance was so inspirational,” she added. “I sent him a message and just said how proud we are of him.

“It’s just amazing to see what he’s done the last year or so – well, few years, actually. It would be great to kind to follow in his footsteps.”