Mickelson has played at Loch Lomond on six previous occasions

Phil Mickelson has, as expected, confirmed that he will not be playing at the Scottish Open from 9-12 July.

And with his wife Amy preparing for breast cancer treatment it seems unlikely that Mickelson will be at the Open on the following week.

The world number two has played in every Open since 1993, missing out on a play-off by a stroke five years ago.

Mickelson returned from a break to finish second at last week's US Open for a record fifth time in the event.

He has been a regular at the Scottish Open in recent years and has played at Loch Lomond on six occasions, losing in a sudden death play-off to Gregory Havret in 2007.

Last year Mickelson, who has won two Masters and a USPGA title, finished 11 shots behind tournament winner Graeme McDowell, who will be back to defend his title.

And there will be 11 major winners in the field, including current Masters champion Angel Cabrera, Ernie Els, Trevor Immelman and Retief Goosen.

"I'm looking forward to returning to Loch Lomond," said big-hitting Argentine Cabrera.

"I will be continuing on to the Open Championship at Turnberry, so I'll have two weeks of golf in Scotland which will be a pleasure."

There are 12 Scots in the field, which includes the Scottish amateur champion Callum MacAulay in is his first year on the tour as a pro.

Macaulay first rose to prominence when he won the West of Scotland Championship in 2006 and reached the fifth round of the Scottish Amateur tournament in 2007.

"I'm absolutely delighted to receive an invitation to the Scottish Open," said MacAulay.

"My experience of the tournament in 2008 as an amateur was unbelievable - it was one of the most special weeks of my life.

"I think half of my club were there to support me and it all made for a fantastic week."

Other notable names to feature at Loch Lomond include Sir Nick Faldo, Colin Montgomerie, Sandy Lyle, Jose Maria Olazabal, Camilo Villegas, Ian Poulter, Boo Weekly and Adam Scott.

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