Defending champion Rafa Cabrera-Bello is driven by triumphant memories of 12 months ago as he bids to become the first player to retain the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open at Gullane this week.
Spain’s Cabrera-Bello secured his third European Tour triumph at Dundonald last year, thanks to a play-off victory over Englishman Callum Shinkwin.
The 34-year-old is eager to put himself in contention to create history in East Lothian this weekend, and he said: “Obviously last year was fantastic. That Sunday was very special. I’d been enjoying the day and shooting 64, the course record, getting myself into the play-off and then hitting that great shot in for the eagle chance.
“It would be amazing. I’ve never defended a title, it’s got to be a good feeling.
“It’s going to be a different feeling because I’m not on the same course that I was last year, so I cannot draw off those memories, particularly on the course.
“But I will draw off the atmosphere and on the crowd that was very supportive last time – and every single year. Hopefully that will get me in my best performance.”
Cabrera-Bello finished eight shots behind winner Rickie Fowler in with a four-under-par 41st when the Scottish Open was last held at Gullane in 2015, however he expects scoring could be lower this time around given the fine recent weather.
The Las Palmas-born player added: “Obviously it’s meant to be played especially with a lot of wind. Fairways are wider than other links, and I felt the greens were still softer, but there’s good weather. The greens can dry up pretty quickly. There’s lots of pot bunkers here that look like baseball gloves, they catch every single ball.
“There could be a very low score. Obviously if the weather is good, you would expect that the winning score is lower than last time. But I’m sure it’s still going to be a tough test.”
