Playing with Kuchar brings out the best in Ramsay

Playing golf with Matt Kuchar is bringing the best out of Richie Ramsay, writes Eric Nicolson.

The Aberdonian shared the fairways at Dundonald last week with the joint Open leader and is hoping the American’s impressive play will continue to rub off on him after he posted a two-under round at Royal Birkdale.

“I have known Matt for a long time since I was at Golf Club of Georgia in 2007,” Ramsay said.

“It was great for me as a learning curve to see what it takes to get in front at a major championship.

“He has a game that suits mine. It is not overpowering. It is more about finesse, skill and touch around the greens.

“It was great for me to see someone like that competing at the top level knowing that I can try to replicate that.

“Don’t get me wrong, McIlroy hitting a driver is an unbelievable sight to see. But for sheer scoring ability and the way he gets around a golf course, if you are an amateur golfer go watch Matt Kuchar,” he said.

“I am really pleased with that,” he said of his 68.

“It was a battle all day but I dug in there.

“I didn’t really hit any poor shots that put me in trouble. “I really enjoyed it. Paul Lawrie frittered away a couple of shots to finish level, with David Drysdale two over, Russell Knox four over and Sandy Lyle seven over.