Dreaming of glory at the home of golf
Any time you are involved in a major championship it is a highlight of the year, but teeing it up in isn't just a highlight for me, it's a dream come true.
There's no other tournament that I would rather play in than the Open and when it's around the it is the pinnacle.
Glen Day, a fellow qualifier from the International Qualifier in Dallas on Monday, put it perfectly when he said: "Anybody that doesn't want to play that tournament, especially this year at the Old Course, doesn't know anything about golf!"
I had been thinking about the qualifier for a while and to makes it even more satisfying. Now I can look forward to a great fortnight playing at Loch Lomond and then St. Andrews.
It's tough for me to compare what playing at St Andrews is like in relation to other events. I wouldn't put it in the same category as playing in the as that's all about the team and the fact that you've played at a high standard for two years to be a part of it.
Not taking anything away from qualifying, but I played good for two rounds on Monday to get into the Open, not great golf over two years!
I guess it's like getting picked to play for Scotland at a packed Hampden against England; it just doesn't get any bigger.
It's the type of tournament that you play golf to play in and practice hard to get into. You then hope that you can perform when you get there.
Standing on the first tee last year at Turnberry was a big moment for me as it was my first ever Open Championship.
It was the tournament that I used to go and watch with my dad when I was a kid and I used to dream about one day maybe getting the chance to play in it.
I think the fact that I played last year will help me a lot this time and I'll be more prepared to go out and be in contention all week.
I love the golf course, even though I've only played it five times in my life, and the fact that I get to stay at my parent's house all week (about 20 minutes away) will be a huge advantage.
Not only do I get to spend some time with them, but it'll be a nice and relaxing week away from and all the buzz of the championship. Not to mention the home cooking that I'll get to enjoy!
I really do feel that I learned a lot last year at Turnberry. I was a little impatient in the first round and that cost me at least a couple of shots.
Patience is one of the most important qualities to have when playing tournaments and the need for it is magnified in majors.
I remember watching and the unbelievable reception he received from the packed galleries over the weekend.
Hopefully, this year things can all come together for me and I can be the one in that situation on Sunday. It's definitely about time we had another Scot getting their hands on the Claret Jug.
I was born and bred in Glasgow, but now I live in Scottsdale, Arizona, and make my living on the US PGA Tour.
I won my maiden Tour event in October 2009 - the first Scot to do so on US soil since Sandy Lyle won the Masters in 1988.
I want to win again and play in this year's Ryder Cup, so I'll be letting you know how I'm going about it, as well as providing you a behind the scenes look at the PGA Tour.
Comments
or to comment.