The Genesis Scottish Open has been played a week before The Open since 2001. Most players choose to play this event to get used to the conditions of links golf ahead of the following week's Major.
Links golf is completely different challenge from your standard PGA Tour parkland course, which most of the time is played in calm conditions on soft, lush courses. UK links-style golf can give you the most benevolent conditions or the most challenging. When the elements turn against you, there is no hiding place on the course.
