I played the Scottish Open golf course and it wasn’t the hardest – but major change could give world’s best nightmares

RORY McILROY might have been hoping for a gentle return to golf at the Genesis Scottish Open.

The bad news is it looks like it will be anything but as wind and rain batters Renaissance Club.

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Rory McIlroy won the Scottish Open last year, a shot clear of Robert MacIntyre[/caption]

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Scots golfer Ewen Ferguson shields himself from the wind and rain at Renaissance[/caption]

If you’re coming to East Lothian this week make sure to wrap up – and bring waterproofs.

But if you do brave the elements the chances are you could be in for an, admittedly, cold treat.

On the face of it The Renaissance is not the most difficult golf course for the world’s best.

I was lucky enough to play it in May, but crucially, without grandstands and without a lot of wind.

It meant I could hit a 9-iron to the iconic par-3 6th and walk off happy with a par.

I could stand on the 13th tee and take in the breathtaking view of the island of Fiddra.

Right now? It’s hard to even SEE it, that’s how bad the conditions are.

And the suggestion is it’s not going to get a whole lot better as the week goes on.

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Ryder Cup hero Nicoli Hojgaard grabs a brolly to shelter from the rain[/caption]

The golf, though, should. This is a HUGE week in the grand scheme of things.

For defending champ McIlroy it’s a chance to bury some demons from last month’s US Open.

The Irishman had the tournament in his grasp until two short missed putts in his last three holes allowed Bryson DeChambeau to take the win instead.

It was a shattering blow – and McIlroy hasn’t played since in a bid to clear his head.

This week will give us an indication of whether he has done so ahead of next week’s Open at RoyalTroon.

McIlroy’s superb 202 yard 2-iron 12 months ago – which is now marked by a PLAQUE at Renaissance – denied Robert MacIntyre a home victory.

But the Scot comes into this week in fine form, boosted by a win at the Canadian Open, his first on the PGA Tour.

Ewen Ferguson is another strong home hope on the back of his stunning win in Germany last weekend.

But, as is always the case at the Genesis Scottish Open these days, this field is STACKED.

US PGA champ Xander Schauffele won here two years ago and could easily do so again.

Young guns Tom Kim, Victor Hovland and Ludwig Aberg may well have something to say about that.

And others like Justin Thomas, Justin Rose and Matt Fitzpatrick arrive looking to find form.

For those sheltering from the rain there is entertainment scheduled for the tented village with Pat Nevin and Edith Bowman playing DJ sets.

So there will be plenty to keep everyone occupied when the action gets underway on Thursday.

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Scots ace MacIntyre will be hoping to go one better in North Berwick this year[/caption]

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Xander Schauffele tees off during his practice round[/caption]

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