Ramsay determined to grasp opportunity

Richie Ramsay is determined not to let the opportunity to win the Dunhill Links pass him by.

The Aberdonian was runner-up in the event five years ago when he finished one shot shy of a play-off with winner Oliver Wilson.

The 36-year-old is tied fifth at the halfway stage after rounds of 65 at Kingsbarns and 67 at St Andrews.

Ramsay intends to use the experience of his 2014 near miss, when he shot a final round of five-under 67, to his advantage over the weekend.

He said: “I probably learned that I play to win because in previous times, I played a little bit conservative.

“Out here, you never see a guy who shoots level par and wins the tournament. It’s always the guy who is five or six under and you’ve got to stay aggressive.

“There are times when that strategy is not going to come off but if you keep the foot down and play aggressive, there will be one opportunity that will come along and you’ve got to snatch it. I’ve been out here a long time. I’ve managed to win three times but that’s over 12 years.

“The opportunity doesn’t arise all the time and when you do, you’ve just got to go for it. Even if it doesn’t come off, you can walk away feeling like you gave it everything.

“If you play conservatively you end up looking at what might have been.”

Ramsay heads to the more demanding Carnoustie today but is relishing the challenge.

He added: “I have a tough day coming up but I kind of like Carnoustie.

“I played it in the Open with Padraig Harrington in 2007. Every time I go back there, I can see numbers and I feel good on that golf course.

“Obviously the other guys are going to come to St Andrews and shoot a good number.

“I just have to keep my foot down and pick off golf shots and keep on enjoying the event.”

Picture: Getty. Richie Ramsay shelters from the rain at St Andrews.