Genesis Scottish Open 2026 Guide | Renaissance Club
Scotland's national championship returns to East Lothian for another spectacular week of links golf, where the world's elite battle for glory just days before The Open Championship. The Genesis Scottish Open has evolved into one of the sport's must-attend events, combining championship pedigree with Scotland's incomparable golfing heritage.
Tournament Overview – Why This Event Matters
The Genesis Scottish Open represents the perfect confluence of tradition and modern excellence. Since becoming a co-sanctioned PGA Tour and DP World Tour event in 2022, the tournament attracts the strongest fields outside major championships, with eight of the world's top-10 players regularly competing. The £6.5 million ($9 million/€8.5 million) purse reflects the tournament's elevated status, with the champion claiming approximately £1.1 million ($1.59 million/€1.5 million).
The event's timing creates unique drama as players fine-tune their links skills just days before golf's oldest major. From 1987 onwards, the Scottish Open has provided crucial qualifying spots for The Open, with the top three finishers not already qualified earning their place in the championship. This dual purpose elevates tension as players balance tournament ambitions with Open preparation.
The 2026 edition unfolds July 9-12 at The Renaissance Club, marking the eighth consecutive year the East Lothian venue has hosted Scotland's national championship. The co-sanctioned status means results count on both the DP World Tour Rankings and FedExCup.
Tournament History & Heritage
The Scottish Open began in 1972 when Neil Coles defeated Brian Huggett in a playoff at Downfield Golf Club in Dundee. The inaugural championship offered £10,000 in prize money with a £2,000 first prize. After just two editions, including a 1973 St Andrews playing won by Graham Marsh, the tournament disappeared when television coverage couldn't be secured for 1974.
The event returned in 1986 as Bell's Scottish Open at Haggs Castle, effectively replacing the Glasgow Open. The tournament moved to Gleneagles in 1987, establishing its week-before-The-Open slot that remains crucial to its identity today.
The tournament's modern era began with another shift in 1997. The Loch Lomond World Invitational moved to the week before The Open, taking over the Scottish Open's traditional slot. In 2001, organisers resolved this by retroactively designating all Loch Lomond events as Scottish Opens, creating the unusual situation of two "Scottish Opens" in 1996.
From 2001 to 2010, the tournament flourished at Loch Lomond under Barclays sponsorship, though concerns emerged that the parkland course disadvantaged European Tour players compared to PGA Tour rivals who practiced on links courses before The Open.
The championship embarked on a nomadic phase, visiting Castle Stuart (2011-13, 2016), Royal Aberdeen (2014), Gullane (2015, 2018), and Dundonald Links (2017). The tournament found its permanent home at The Renaissance Club beginning in 2019, scheduled to host through 2026.
The transformative moment arrived in 2022 when the Scottish Open became the first tournament co-sanctioned by both the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, with Genesis Motor assuming title sponsorship. This historic alliance created the strongest non-major fields in professional golf.
Recent Champions
Ian Woosnam claimed three titles between 1987 and 1992, the most in tournament history. Colin Montgomerie's 1999 victory marked the last Scottish triumph until Robert MacIntyre's emotional 2024 win. MacIntyre sank a lengthy birdie putt on the final hole to defeat Adam Scott by one stroke, becoming the first Scottish winner in 25 years.
Recent champions include Austrian Bernd Wiesberger (2019), England's Aaron Rai (2020), Australia's Min Woo Lee (2021), America's Xander Schauffele (2022), and Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy (2023). All six Renaissance Club champions hail from different countries. Notably, Schauffele remains the only American winner since the event moved to North Berwick in 2019.
Championship Courses
The Renaissance Club
The Renaissance Club represents a fascinating chapter in modern golf architecture. The course emerged when the Sarvadi family from Texas encountered an associate in Pinehurst who inquired whether they'd be interested in building a course in Scotland.
Tom Doak designed the course, though he initially hesitated. The property sits between Muirfield and North Berwick, two of his favourite Scottish courses. The original site lacked the dramatic topography of his celebrated designs at Pacific Dunes, Cape Kidnappers, and Barnbougle. What convinced Doak was understanding that Scottish golfers would judge the course solely on playability and strategic interest rather than visual drama.
The property featured an unusual characteristic for a Scottish links – 300 acres of pine and sycamore trees planted by Britain's Forestry Commission after World War II. Construction required clearing over 8,000 tonnes of wood, revealing pure sand beneath. Doak strategically retained some trees, creating definition whilst maintaining the character.
A land swap with neighbouring Muirfield proved transformative. The Renaissance Club owned woodland adjacent to Muirfield's eighth green, whilst Muirfield controlled the dramatic coastal dunes to the north. The clubs negotiated an exchange, with Muirfield repositioning its ninth tee for the 2013 Open Championship, whilst The Renaissance Club gained permission to extend into spectacular coastal dunes. The resulting stretch of holes 10-13 creates the course's most dramatic sequence.
Since hosting the Scottish Open, the course has undergone continuous refinement, with player consultant Padraig Harrington working alongside Doak to enhance the championship test. The layout features an unusual configuration for par-70 courses: ten par-4s, five par-3s, and three par-5s.
The course demands precision and length, with six of the ten par-4s stretching beyond 465 yards. Firm, fast fescue fairways require control off the tee, whilst massive, undulating greens challenge even the world's best. Weather dictates scoring dramatically – winning scores have ranged from 18-under in calm conditions to 7-under when coastal winds gust above 20 mph.
The course measures 7,303 yards from the championship tees. What Doak created isn't an American course transplanted to Scotland, but rather a respectful tribute to Scottish links golf designed by Americans.
Historic Venues: The Tournament's Nomadic Heritage
Downfield Golf Club, Dundee (1972) – The birthplace of the modern Scottish Open hosted the inaugural championship, though it never returned to the rota.
Old Course at St Andrews (1973) – Graham Marsh claimed a dominant six-stroke victory in the tournament's only appearance at golf's most sacred venue.
Gleneagles (1987-1994) – The King's Course hosted the tournament for eight consecutive years, establishing the event's modern identity with extensive BBC coverage.
Carnoustie (1995-1996) – The championship moved here for two years without a title sponsor, struggling financially during this period.
Loch Lomond (1996-2010) – The parkland gem hosted fifteen editions. The course's beauty attracted top-60 world ranking players, though critics argued parkland golf poorly prepared players for The Open's links challenges.
Castle Stuart Golf Links (2011-2013, 2016) – The modern links near Inverness provided spectacular coastal golf. The 2011 edition was reduced to 54 holes due to flooding from heavy rain. Disappointing 2016 attendance figures (declining to just 41,809) suggested the remote Highland location challenged commercial viability.
Royal Aberdeen (2014) – The ancient links hosted a single edition.
Gullane Golf Club (2015, 2018) – The East Lothian venue's No. 1 course hosted twice, foreshadowing the tournament's return to the region.
Dundonald Links, Ayrshire (2017) – The inaugural Rolex Series edition, with prize money jumping to $7 million.
The Renaissance Club (2019-2026) – The East Lothian venue has hosted since 2019, scheduled to remain through 2026. The American-owned private club initially faced resistance from Scottish authorities concerned about public access. The Sarvadis made accommodations allowing more British and Scottish golfers to play, securing tournament hosting rights.
Championship Experience: Tournament Week
Tournament week combines world-class golf with Scottish hospitality. The 2026 edition promises spectacular fields as players make final preparations for The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. Expect eight or more of the world's top-10 players.
General admission tickets provide roaming access across the course. The par-3 17th hole, with its coastal setting and elevated tee, creates natural amphitheatre viewing. The par-5 16th hole's risk-reward dynamics often produce tournament-defining moments.
Premium hospitality experiences elevate the week significantly. The Green on 18 provides outstanding views of the finishing hole from a greenside terrace with all-inclusive food and beverage service. Corporate hospitality packages typically include guaranteed seating, premium dining, and appearances by golf personalities.
The tournament's atmosphere reflects Scotland's passionate golf culture. Robert MacIntyre's 2024 victory created emotional scenes rarely witnessed in professional golf, with thousands of fans erupting when his final putt dropped. Scottish crowds welcome all players whilst maintaining particular fondness for underdogs and anyone displaying traditional golf values.
Edinburgh's proximity transforms tournament attendance into cultural adventures. Visitors experience world-class golf during the day before returning to Edinburgh for evening dining and entertainment. Many structure trips around morning golf viewing, afternoon Edinburgh exploration, and evening tournament returns.
East Lothian benefits from a notable microclimate, receiving significantly less rainfall than surrounding regions. July typically provides excellent conditions, though Scottish weather remains famously unpredictable. Pack waterproofs and layers regardless of forecasts.
The Renaissance Club sits approximately 33 kilometres east of Edinburgh, easily accessible by car with ample free parking. Public transport includes trains to North Berwick followed by short taxi rides or tournament shuttle services.
Golf Nearby During Tournament Week
East Lothian's extraordinary concentration of championship courses transforms Scottish Open week into golf's ultimate playground. The region referenced in the Edinburgh & East Lothian Golf Travel Guide provides unmatched variety within remarkably compact geography.
Premier Championship Venues
Muirfield – Scotland's premier championship venue sits adjacent to The Renaissance Club. The famous two-concentric-circles routing ensures golfers face different wind directions on every hole, creating unmatched strategic complexity. Booking requires two to three years' advance planning. Green fees approximate £340 (€400/$450). The course demands caddies and proper introductions.
North Berwick Golf Club – The region's number-two course ranks amongst Scotland's most beloved venues, renowned for quirky character and stunning clifftop holes. The famous Redan hole has inspired copies worldwide. Green fees approximate £200-250 (€235-295/$275-325) depending on season, with advance booking essential.
Gullane Golf Club – Championship golf across three distinct courses. Gullane No. 1 hosts major qualifying events and offers stern links examination. No. 1 commands approximately £180-200 (€210-235/$245-275), whilst Nos. 2 and 3 provide outstanding value around £60-100 (€70-120/$80-135).
Dunbar Golf Club – Outstanding value for championship-quality links. Green fees approximate £80-100 (€95-120/$110-135), making it accessible for multiple rounds during tournament week.
Hidden Gems and Alternative Options
Luffness New Golf Club – This former Open qualifying venue offers pay-and-play access with championship-level golf. Perfect for afternoon rounds or spontaneous golf. Green fees range £70-90 (€85-105/$95-120).
Gullane No. 3 – Outstanding value within the championship venue category. Often overlooked, favouring the famous No. 1 course, it delivers excellent greens and stunning views. At approximately £45-60 (€55-70/$60-80), it provides a championship-venue experience at municipal pricing.
The Glen Golf Club – North Berwick's hidden gem. The nine-hole course commands approximately £30-40 (€35-50/$40-55) and provides charming golf with spectacular coastal views, perfect for late-afternoon rounds.
Musselburgh Links Old Course – Extraordinary historical significance as one of golf's original venues, hosting The Open Championship six times in the 19th century. The nine-hole course allows visitors to experience golf history, particularly enjoyable with traditional hickory clubs. At approximately £20-25 (€25-30/$25-35), it offers incomparable value.
Archerfield Links – The modern resort features two championship courses (Dirleton and Fidra) designed by DJ Russell. Green fees around £150-200 (€175-235/$200-275) including excellent practice facilities.
Kilspindie Golf Club – Traditional nine-hole links adjacent to Aberlady Bay provides charming golf in pastoral setting. Approximately £25-35 (€30-40/$30-45) for 18 holes.
The region's compact geography means nowhere sits more than 30 minutes from The Renaissance Club, enabling seamless transitions between playing and watching championship golf.
East Lothian's Culinary Scene
East Lothian's dining landscape now matches its golfing excellence with culinary sophistication whilst maintaining traditional Scottish hospitality.
Fine Dining and Gastropubs
The Bonnie Badger in Gullane stands as the region's culinary flagship. The Tom Kitchin gastropub delivers Michelin-quality food in relaxed atmosphere perfectly suited to golf groups. Locally sourced ingredients showcase Scotland's exceptional produce, whilst the extensive whisky collection provides proper education in Scotland's national spirit. The restaurant welcomes golf attire. Mains range £18-32 (€21-38/$25-42). Booking essential, particularly during tournament week.
The New Mallard in Gullane provides excellent dining in comfortable hotel setting. The restaurant focuses on Scottish ingredients prepared with modern techniques. The bar welcomes golfers for casual dining and post-round drinks.
Nether Abbey Hotel in North Berwick combines comfortable accommodation with quality dining. The restaurant emphasizes Scottish seafood, with daily fresh catches featured prominently.
Traditional Scottish Fare
Fish and chips remain exceptional throughout the region, with local establishments serving fresh catches from nearby waters. Traditional Scottish breakfasts provide perfect preparation for tournament viewing or morning golf rounds. Black pudding, haggis, and tattie scones may challenge unfamiliar palates initially, though most visitors quickly develop appreciation.
Clubhouse Dining
Championship courses throughout East Lothian maintain excellent dining facilities. Muirfield's lunch service forms part of the premium experience, whilst The Renaissance Club provides modern clubhouse dining with views over the links. Traditional venues like North Berwick maintain classic clubhouse atmosphere with hearty Scottish fare.
Post-Round Drinks
The 19th hole culture thrives throughout East Lothian. The Golf Inn in Gullane and The Auld Hoose in North Berwick exemplify this welcoming tradition.
Explore Beyond Golf
East Lothian and nearby Edinburgh provide exceptional variety for non-golfing partners or rest-day activities.
Edinburgh Cultural Attractions
Scotland's capital sits just 45 minutes from The Renaissance Club. Edinburgh Castle dominates the skyline, providing Scottish history spanning over 1,000 years. The Royal Mile connects the castle to Holyrood Palace, lined with historic buildings, museums, shops, and restaurants. The National Museum of Scotland offers free admission to world-class collections spanning science, technology, natural history, and Scottish heritage.
Edinburgh's August festival season creates unprecedented cultural opportunities, with thousands of performances across all genres. Though not concurrent with the July tournament, many visitors extend trips to experience both golf and festivals.
Golf Heritage Sites
Bruntsfield Links provides free access to golf's original home. The adjacent Golf Tavern claims status as golf's first clubhouse, serving refreshments to golfers since 1456. Leith Links features historical markers commemorating early golf development.
Natural Beauty and Coastal Attractions
The John Muir Way provides 215 kilometres of walking paths showcasing dramatic coastal scenery. Tantallon Castle perches on clifftops overlooking Bass Rock, creating spectacular photographs. Dirleton Castle combines medieval ruins with championship gardens.
Bass Rock, visible from several golf courses, hosts one of the world's largest Northern gannet colonies. Boat trips from North Berwick provide close encounters with over 150,000 seabirds.
Whisky Experiences
Glenkinchie Distillery near Pencaitland offers Lowland whisky tours showcasing the lighter, more delicate style distinct from Highland and Islay expressions. Edinburgh hosts numerous whisky bars, with The Scotch Whisky Experience providing educational tastings for beginners through to connoisseurs.
Family Activities
Edinburgh Zoo delights children with giant pandas, penguins, and extensive animal collections. Dynamic Earth combines science education with entertainment, exploring Earth's geological history through interactive exhibits. Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick provides family-friendly wildlife observation with remote cameras on Bass Rock.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I book accommodation for the 2026 Scottish Open?
Book accommodation immediately upon dates being confirmed. Hotels in North Berwick, Gullane, and Edinburgh fill rapidly once the tournament schedule is released, typically 9-12 months ahead. Edinburgh accommodation provides excellent alternatives with easy access via train or car. Consider staying in Edinburgh if combining tournament attendance with cultural activities, or base in Gullane for central access to East Lothian's golf courses.
What's the best way to get tickets for the Genesis Scottish Open?
General admission tickets typically go on sale 6-9 months before the tournament through the official DP World Tour website. Season tickets covering Wednesday pro-am through Sunday's final round offer the best value. Premium hospitality packages provide elevated experiences with guaranteed seating, inclusive dining, and enhanced amenities. Tickets sold out ahead of recent editions, so early purchase is essential. Prices typically range £25-75 (€30-90/$35-100) per day.
Can I play The Renaissance Club during tournament week?
The Renaissance Club is a private members' club with limited public access. During tournament week, the course closes for setup, competition, and recovery. Visitors seeking Renaissance Club golf should explore the "One Time Experience" package offered periodically, though availability remains extremely limited. Focus instead on the region's numerous other championship venues – Muirfield, North Berwick, Gullane, and Dunbar all provide comparable quality.
What are the best nearby courses for visitors during Scottish Open week?
North Berwick Golf Club offers the perfect combination of quality, character, and proximity. Gullane's three courses provide options for all budgets. Dunbar presents outstanding championship links at accessible pricing. For spontaneous rounds, Luffness New accepts pay-and-play bookings. The Glen provides charming nine-hole golf perfect for evening rounds. Budget-conscious visitors should explore Gullane No. 3 and Kilspindie, both delivering authentic links golf under £60 (€70/$80). Book all courses well in advance during tournament week.
Plan Your Scottish Open Experience
The Genesis Scottish Open represents golf at its finest – world-class players battling on championship links in golf's spiritual homeland just days before The Open. The tournament's elevation to co-sanctioned status ensures fields rivalling major championships, whilst Scotland's warm hospitality and East Lothian's golfing riches create experiences extending far beyond tournament attendance.
Start planning by securing accommodation and tournament tickets well in advance. Edinburgh provides excellent basing options for combining golf with culture, whilst Gullane and North Berwick offer an intimate village atmosphere. Research East Lothian's championship courses and book tee times as early as possible – Muirfield requires 2-3 years advance booking, whilst venues like North Berwick and Gullane typically need several months for summer dates.
Transportation planning proves crucial. Rental cars provide maximum flexibility. Edinburgh Airport sits approximately one hour from The Renaissance Club, with straightforward access via the A1 coastal route. Train services connect Edinburgh to North Berwick in 20 minutes.
Weather preparation cannot be overstated. Pack quality waterproofs, wind protection, layers, and sun protection. July typically delivers excellent conditions, though Scottish weather's unpredictability means experiencing four seasons in one day remains entirely possible.
Equipment considerations include proper golf attire for any rounds booked. Championship courses offer caddie programmes. Muirfield strongly recommends caddies, whilst The Renaissance Club requires shared caddies for unaccompanied visitors. Carry handicap certificates for courses requiring formal introductions.
Balance spectating with playing. Consider morning golf followed by afternoon tournament attendance, or reverse based on tee time availability. The compact geography enables seamless transitions. Build rest days into ambitious schedules for Edinburgh cultural exploration or coastal walks.
Dining reservations merit advance attention, particularly at premier establishments like The Bonnie Badger. Tournament week sees restaurants fully booked. Embrace Scotland's pub culture for casual dining, where excellent food and warm welcome await without reservations.
Budget appropriately. Tournament tickets, championship green fees, quality accommodation, and dining create significant expense. However, the region offers remarkable value opportunities. Combining premium courses like North Berwick with excellent value venues like The Glen or Luffness New maintains high quality whilst controlling costs.
The Genesis Scottish Open 2026 promises unforgettable golf in an unparalleled setting. Scotland's national championship has achieved remarkable heights, now attracting the sport's biggest stars whilst maintaining its authentic Scottish character. Combined with East Lothian's extraordinary concentration of championship courses, Edinburgh's cultural riches, and Scotland's legendary hospitality, the tournament week offers total immersion in the sport's heritage at its spiritual home.