2023 Women's Scottish Open Preview, Picks & Analysis

Japan’s Ayaka Furue produced the round of her life 12 months ago to win the Women’s Scottish Open and will defend her title at Dundonald Links this week. She picked up her maiden LPGA Tour title after firing a course record 62 in the final round.

The 22-year-old began the day five shots behind the leaders, but started her day with a birdie on the first.

After a run of four pars, Furue produced six birdies in a row from the sixth. Another birdie on the 15th put the seven-time Japan LPGA winner in front and back-to-back birdies on the last two holes sealed victory on 21-under-par in Furue’s first appearance at the Women’s Scottish Open.

“My shots and putting and all-around game was very good and when I needed to make big birdie putts, I was able to make them,” said the rookie, who had Glasgwegian Michael Scott on her bag. “With this win, it builds up a lot of confidence for me and I’m looking forward to having more big tournaments.

“Mike is always a big help to me, and I am so happy that I was able to win in Scotland and near his hometown of Glasgow.”

France’s Celine Boutier, who was the co-leader after 54 holes, finished in second place after producing a round of 69 (-3) on the final day.

The two-time Solheim Cup player (and new Evian Championship winner) had seven birdies and four bogeys on her scorecard on the fourth day to have a total of 18-under-par.

“Starting the round, I knew I had to shoot a low score, even though I was tied for the lead,” said Boutier. “And on this course, you can score pretty low. I was trying to focus on my own game and not pay too much attention on the leaderboard. She just had a really great day, so there was nothing I could have done.

“Obviously, I’m a bit disappointed at the moment but I feel like my game has been very solid all week and I put myself in position. Playing the final round, in the final group, is not always easy to manage. I feel like hopefully I’m going to gain some experience from this and next time I’ll be lifting the trophy."

(Minjee Lee - Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)

In the week before the AIG Women’s Open, it is no surprise to see a world-class field assembling at Dundonald and there are high hopes that we might see a European winner this week.

Charley Hull has shown some sparkling recent form after taking some time away from the game. She nearly won the US Women’s Open. Recently diagnosed with ADHD, Hull seems to have been around forever but she is still only 27 years old. She is an attacking golfer who holds nothing back and is exciting to watch.

But perhaps the woman they all have to beat is Sweden’s Linn Grant, who is turning out to be a winning machine. The 24-year-old won four times on the Ladies European Tour in her rookie season last year and added a fifth title at the Jabra Ladies Open in May. She then moved up in class by winning the Dana Open on the LPGA Tour this month. Grant will have her eye on the Women’s Open next week but will be happy to tune up for that with yet another victory.

Tournament Winners

It was won in 2015 by Rebecca Artis, in 2016 by Isabelle Boileau, in 2017 by MH Lee, in 2018 by Ariya Jutanugarn, in 2019 by MJ Hue, in 2020 by Stacy Lewis, in 2021 by Ryann O’Toole and last year by Ayaka Furue.

Form Guide

Sweden’s Linn Grant simply cannot stop winning - she has collected six titles in little over 12 months and that includes her maiden success on the LPGA Tour.

The Course

Dundonald is a classic links layout. It is a par 72 and measures 7,300 yards from the back tees. It features rolling fairways, thick rough, plenty of well-placed bunkers and undulating greens.

To Win:

Linn Grant. Full of confidence

Each Way:

Charley Hull. In great form

Players to Follow:

Linn Grant. Can’t stop winning

Charley Hull. Big hitter

Ayaka Furue. Will have good memories

Celine Boutier. Looking to go one better in 2023

Minjee Lee. Major champion