Phil Mickelson, Henrik Stenson and Graeme McDowell have all confirmed that they will compete in July’s Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open as the domestic showpiece returns to Castle Stuart near Inverness.

With Rory McIlroy recently announcing that he would be side-stepping the trip north and defending champion, Rickie Fowler, still to make a commitment, the sight of Mickelson, Stenson and McDowell’s entry forms dropping through the letter box will have lifted the morale of the event’s organisers.

Mickelson, of course, has been a strong supporter of the Scottish Open and his affinity with Castle Stuart runs deep. Three years ago, the Californian triumphed in the Highlands and went on to win the Open Championship at Muirfield a week later.

Stenson, the world No 5 who shared third in the 2013 Scottish Open at Castle Stuart, and McDowell, a winner of the title at Loch Lomond in 2008, will join the headline acts in the £3.25 million championship which will be staged the week before the Open at Royal Troon.

“It’s always one of the highlights of my year when I compete in Scotland,” said Mickelson. “I’m always excited about returning to Scotland, and particularly to Castle Stuart. I believe winning there in 2013 was key to my success the next week at the Open Championship.”