Scott looking to defend at Gleneagles

Adam Scott will defend his Scottish PGA Championship title at Gleaneagles this week.s.

A year ago Scott finished on 26-under-par to win the tournament by a massive 10 strokes from local Raymond Russell, but is unlikely to repeat that low scoring with heavy winds and rain forecast.

Scott told Reuters ahead of the tournament that with playing privileges on both tours, he will split his time between the United States and Europe next year.

"I'm going to take up my tour card in America and use both cards next year," Scott said. "I think it's going to be best for my game. Hopefully I can achieve the goals I've set myself, take my game to a new level and give myself more chances in majors."

"I'm going to give the combination of the two tours a shot because I feel just playing in America doesn't give you enough variety. You wouldn't want to be stuck on Sunday in the Open with a 40 mph wind blowing if you hadn't had any experience in Europe. Playing in Europe has definitely helped my game."

As well as Scott, his fellow Australians Peter O'Malley, Brad Kennedy, Andrew Buckle, Jarrod Moseley, Peter Fowler, Lucas Parsons, Brett Rumford, Ed Stedman and Steven Bowditch will also tee it up, along with New Zealanders Greg Turner and Stephen Scahill.

And another of the locals, Colin Montgomerie, is hoping to turn around a recent spell of poor form in the event.

After a fine start in the US Open last week at Olympia Fields Montgomerie faded to finish well back, and having also missed the cut at the Wales Open and British Masters on the European Tour, told BBC Sport he is delighted to be playing at home.

"I am thrilled that the new June date for the Championship has allowed me to fit it into my schedule and support this European Tour tournament in Scotland," he said. "It's always a privilege to play in your home country and I'm looking forward to it immensely."

"I probably wouldn't be playing if this week's tournament wasn't in Scotland. I get very much up for playing here and I'm coming to win, just like I'll be going to the Open next month to win."

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