Steve Palmer's Scottish Open second-round preview, best bets and free golf tips

When to watch

Sky Sports Golf & Main Event, 8am Friday

Best bets

Jon Rahm to win 1.15pm threeball
3pts 6-5 bet365

Preview

Pre-tournament 160-1 chance Cameron Tringale set the early pace in the Scottish Open, the American raider firing an opening round of 61 at the Renaissance Club, East Lothian.

Tringale, a 34-year-old PGA Tour maiden, was slashed to 5-1 favourite after he upstaged the host of star names who have gathered on the Scottish coastline. Fourteen of the world's top 15 players have teed up in this event but many have struggled to find their best form.

Viktor Hovland produced some X-rated golf in a four-over-par 74 and world number one Scottie Scheffler slumped to a 73. Gary Woodland led the American contingent with a 64.

Second-round threeball punters are pointed towards Jon Rahm, who could be much more satisfied with his day-one work than playing partners Hovland and Scheffler.

Rahm made some mistakes of his own, but six birdies more than made up for the odd error. Scheffler missed some short putts and his swing seemed out of kilter, while Hovland was all at sea. The Norwegian, who has lost his sparkle in the second half of the season, actually endured a shanked approach and appeared dreadfully lacking in confidence.

Rahm is still well in the Scottish Open title hunt and should apply himself properly in the 1.15pm contest, while Scheffler and Hovland may lose interest if a missed cut looms large in the forecast high winds. Getting to St Andrews early for Open practice may appeal more than a Saturday tee-time from the tail of the leaderboard.

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