An Open invitation for Scots

RICHIE RAMSAY and David Drysdale last night snapped up tee-off times at The Open as Spaniard Jon Rahm underlined his Claret Jug credentials with victory at the Irish.

The Scottish duo secured two of three slots going at Royal Birkdale after stunning finishes at Portstewart.

Four birdies and an eagle on the back nine saw Ramsay card a seven-under 65 to finish tied second on 18 under with England’s Matthew Southgate.

The 34-year-old said: “Royal Birkdale really suits me and I love playing there. I remember playing at The Amateur there and it’s a great set-up.

“You want to test your game against the best players in the world and I was fortunate enough to do that this week. It’s going to be even better at The Open and the way I’m playing at the moment who knows.”

Drysdale broke the course record by one stroke as a run of seven birdies in his last seven holes sealed a 63 plus a share of fourth on 17 under.

He said: “I regard The Open as the biggest and best championship on the planet.

“I’ve only played once – in 2009 at Turnberry – and as a golfer you only want to play in the biggest and best events.

“I haven’t played Royal Birkdale so I’m looking forward to going there.”

Rahm finished six shots clear of the chasing pack as two eagles and five birdies in a closing 65 saw him card a tournament-record 24 under.

The 22-year-old, who only turned pro in June last year, said: “It proves to me I can perform properly on a links golf course and that’s what I have to take to The Open.”