Read more: British Open 2024 Field Nearly Complete as Royal Troon Looms

The 2024 Scottish Open is shaping up to be one of the strongest editions in recent years, with defending champion Rory McIlroy headlining a world-class field at the Renaissance Club.

Coming off a disappointing defeat at the hands of LIV golfer Bryson DeChambeau at the US Open last month, McIlroy will look to regain momentum as he prepares to defend his Scottish Open title. He'll have his work cut out for him against a stacked lineup that features six of the top seven players in the world.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler will be missing from the action, having opted to take time off following his incredible season that saw him capture six victories. But the remainder of the top 10 will largely be in attendance at the co-sanctioned DP World Tour and PGA Tour event.

Leading the charge among McIlroy's challengers is reigning champion Xander Schauffele. The American enters as the highest ranked player in the field at #3 and seeks his second Scottish Open title in three years.

Also within striking distance of McIlroy will be red-hot Norwegian Viktor Hovland, riding high off recent success on the links-style courses. Fellow Americans Wyndham Clark and Tommy Fleetwood then add their names to the list of top contenders.

Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama looks to reverse his poor Scottish Open form of late, while rising Swedish star Ludvig Aberg continues to announce himself amongst the global elite. The ultra-talented 24-year-old is sure to draw big crowds as he seeks a breakthrough win.

With the Claret Jug up for grabs the following week at St Andrews, the Scottish Open presents an ideal final tune-up for many of golf's superstars. Under the testing conditions of the Renaissance Club links, expect nothing less than an epic battle between McIlroy and six of the games true greats. Who will emerge victorious on Sunday remains anyone's guess in what promises to be a truly world-class tournament.

Here are six notable golfers joining McIlroy in the 2024 Scottish Open field:

1. Xander Schauffele - The World No.3 and 2022 Scottish Open champion.

2. Viktor Hovland - A Ryder Cup favorite in Europe.

3. Wyndham Clark - Winner on the PGA Tour this season, finishing second to Scottie Scheffler at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the Players Championship.

4. Tommy Fleetwood - A fan favorite in Europe.

5. Hideki Matsuyama - The Masters champion.

6. Ludvig Aberg -  A rising star, won on both sides of the Atlantic and has played in the Ryder Cup.

How has Rory McIlroy performed in the Scottish Open previously

Rory McIlroy poses with the trophy after winning the Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club on July 16, 2023 in North Berwick, Scotland. (Photo by Keyur Khamar for the PGA TOUR via Getty Images)

Rory McIlroy will look to defend his Scottish Open title when he returns to the Renaissance Club for the 2024 edition of the event.

The Northern Irishman captured his first Scottish Open victory in dramatic fashion last year, birdying the final two holes including a clutch shot to within 10 feet on 18 to edge Robert MacIntyre.

It was McIlroy's 24th PGA Tour title and proved to be a huge confidence boost heading into the following week's Open Championship at St Andrews.

While it was his maiden Scottish Open win, McIlroy has consistently contended at the event in recent years. In 2022 he finished runner-up after losing a final round duel with Bryson DeChambeau.

McIlroy has utilized the Scottish Open regularly as vital preparation for The Open. His previous strong performances include a T10 in 2021 and T4 in 2018 at other venues.

References: https://www.golfmonthly.com/news/scottish-open-big-names-rory-mcilroy