“There are upsides and downsides and I’m sure a few players from across the pond would turn up rather than stay at home," he said. "But I remember when the Scottish Open was held at Carnoustie and the weather was horrendous. Nick Price said his swing and timing had been blown to bits, ruining his Open chances. To be honest, I don’t know how you could attract a better field. It is one of the best tournaments on the calendar.”

Since the Scottish Open is played the week before the Open Championship, the event would have to be held at a site that is not part of the Open rota, meaning the Old Course, Carnoustie, Muirfield and Turnberry can't be contenders. Kingsbarnes Golf Links is part of the three-course venue of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship but would seem to be an ideal venue.