Phil Backs Scottish Open Move

Phil Mickelson has backed the European Tour's decision to move the Scottish Open away from Loch Lomond to a links course.

The move, the US Masters champion says, will better prepare players for the Open.

Castle Stuart near Inverness and the Renaissance Club to the east of Edinburgh are the front-runners to host the high-profile event, and European Tour representatives have already delivered reports after visiting both venues.

The 2011 Open will be played on the links at Royal St George's in Kent, England.

"Moving to a links course will benefit the tournament whether it's Castle Stuart ... or other links courses," the American left-hander said at the Singapore Open on Friday. "The players that will compete there will have a better preparation for the Open and because of that, it should increase the quality of the field even though it's been quite strong for the last few years. But whatever the venue I will be returning."

World number four Mickelson has played in seven of the past 10 Scottish Open's at Loch Lomond, losing a play-off to Frenchman Gregory Havret in 2007.