Mickelson to play in Scottish Open

LONDON, June 27 (Reuters) World number two Phil Mickelson will compete in the British Open warm-up at Loch Lomond next month.

The American left-hander is among seven members of the world's top-20 who have entered the Scottish Open, the European Tour said in a news release.

Mickelson joins U S Open champion Angel Cabrera, South Africans Ernie Els, Retief Goosen and Trevor Immelman, Briton Luke Donald and Sergio Garcia of Spain at the July 12-15 tournament.

World number five Els will be chasing his third Scottish Open title, having previously won in 2000 and 2003.

''Each year my family and I really look forward to returning,'' said Els.

''The golf course is fabulous and we always have a wonderful week. As a past champion the tournament holds special memories for me.'' Swede Johan Edfors will be defending his title at the Loch Lomond event, which carries a total prize fund of three million pounds 6 million dollar.

The Scottish double-header continues a week later when Carnoustie hosts the British Open, the third major of the year.

Reuters SAM DB0931