Scotland remains at the centre of the golfing spotlight this week, with four of Europe’s victorious Ryder Cup team and captain Paul McGinley taking part in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship on the country’s east coast.

World Number One Rory McIlroy will play alongside his father Gerry in the pro-am format across three of Scotland’s top links course; Kingsbarns, Carnoustie and St Andrews Old Course.

The four-time Major Champion, twice a runner up in the event, is joined by France’s Victor Dubuisson, Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher and Martin Kaymer, all of whom helped Europe to a 16½-11½ victory against the United States at Gleneagles last week.

Defending champion is Englishman David Howell, the former Ryder Cup player, who defeated American Peter Uihlein 12 months ago to claim his fifth European Tour title and first since 2006.

There is also a strong South African contingent in the field, including Major Champions Ernie Els, Charl Schwartzel and Louis Oosthuizen, along with Branden Grace, the 2012 champion.

Key player quotes

Rory McIlroy

“I probably couldn’t have picked a better week to play after The Ryder Cup. It is great to play on three of my favourite golf courses in the world and be able to walk around with my dad and my best friend, as well, who is on the bag this week.  It’s a nice way to try and come down after really what as such an incredible week last week.

“I’m obviously still on a bit of a high from The Ryder Cup, but I’m looking forward to get to go and play some golf with my dad and hopefully continue the good golf that I have played over the past few months, and have another chance to win a tournament here.”

Stephen Gallacher

“When you get the chance to play three of the best courses in the world, it’s hard not to play them.  We don’t get a chance too often to play these courses in links golf, which is something I grew up playing.

“I’m a wee bit tired still just now, but I had a couple of days at home and drove up this morning.  I’m not going to over‑exert myself and try and play the three courses.  I know them well anyway.  Hopefully rest is going to be the key for me doing well this week.”

Martin Kaymer

“This (St Andrews) is a little bit of a magical place.  I feel very lucky.  It always feels like home, but this year it’s definitely as close as it gets.  It was never a thought for me to skip the event, especially after The Ryder Cup.  I’ve always played well here in the past.  There are a lot of positives this week.”

Paul McGinley

“I played well here last year.  I really enjoyed it.  I’m playing with Kyle MacLachlan again – we started playing together in 2001.  We’ve only missed one or two, and he’s become a great friend of mine and it’s great to be able to spend that time with him.

“In some ways, this is the perfect event to follow The Ryder Cup.  It doesn’t have the intensity of a normal event because there’s more room, things are spread out, and there’s much more variety of people coming together.  So I’m doing it just like it’s any week. I’m back to play golf again, and I enjoy playing golf.”