Golf
Genesis Scottish Open Preview: Hovland can find Viktory in Scotland
As the PGA Tour crosses the Atlantic for the 2025 Genesis Scottish Open, the final tune-up before The Open Championship, players will face a stern test of links golf at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick. Co-sanctioned by both the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour, this event has quickly become a pivotal fixture on the calendar and a great indicator of where a player’s game is before the final major of the year.
While The Renaissance Club may not be a pure links in the traditional sense, it still presents a classic coastal challenge. The par-70 layout, stretching over 7,200 yards, demands flight control, and touch around the greens. Gusty conditions often reward experience and creativity more than pure power, making this a week where smart shot selection and patience are critical.
With a strong field in place and major championship pressure looming, the Genesis Scottish Open often produces an elite leaderboard and this year looks no different. We’ve got our eyes on a Ryder Cup standout returning to form and a veteran Swede who thrives in these exact conditions.
Last week’s picks for the John Deere Classic performed to a decent standard, with Jake Knapp narrowly missing out on a top-20, and Bud Cauley finishing two shots outside the top-30.
Bet on the Genesis Scottish Open with William Hill
Viktor Hovland – 28/1
After a quiet start to 2025, Viktor Hovland appears to be trending in the right direction just in time for links season. The Norwegian star showed signs of life at the U.S. Open with a solo finish in third, and his ball-striking has steadily improved over his last few starts.
Hovland’s aggressive approach play is tailor-made for this venue’s soft landing areas and mid-range par-4s. He ranks fourth in strokes gained: approach this season, a critical stat for navigating links-style greens and tough pin positions.
If his putter heats up, which is the one part of his game that occasionally cools, Hovland has everything needed to win this week. Don’t be surprised if he’s hoisting the trophy on Sunday before heading into The Open as one of the European favourites, especially with Ryder Cup qualification on his radar.
Alex Noren – 80/1
If you’re looking for a value bet with elite links pedigree, Alex Noren fits the bill perfectly. The Swede has quietly pieced together some decent performances so far this season, including a top-20 at the PGA Championship.
Noren is a former winner at the Scottish Open in 2016, and few players in the field are more comfortable flighting irons and scrambling in wind-swept conditions. He has a good record in events away from the main PGA-tour circuit, with his last six wins coming outside the US.
At 80/1, Noren is a savvy pick for those backing experience and a solid European track-record. If the weather turns and scoring toughens, expect him to stand firm.
