Scots search for missing links
Warren and company hoping to emulate Monty at Gullane
MARC WARREN, Scott Jamieson and Richie Ramsay have all come close to producing a second home winner of the Scottish Open in recent years.
Jamieson tied third in 2011, the same as fellow Glaswegian Warren the following year and again in 2014, while Aberdonian Ramsay shared sixth spot two years ago.
Three-time European Tour winner Warren was also a contender the last time the £5.3million Rolex Series event was staged at Gullane, finishing joint fourth, two shots adrift of champion Rickie Fowler in 2015 following a closing 64.
But Colin Montgomerie remains the only Scot to have finished first in the 46-year history of the event.
Monty, winner at Loch Lomond by three shots in 1999, had previously been on the cusp of victory five years earlier at Gleneagles.
But an astonishing eaglebirdie-birdie-birdie-eagle seven-under-par five-hole finish by Australian Peter O’Malley denied him.
Monty wore his heart on his sleeve that day in the shape of a sweater emblazoned with a saltire and he considers that on reflection that may have been a mistake, for he suspects that other factors were at play.
He said: ‘The pressure of expectancy may be one reason why it’s been so long since my win at Loch Lomond.
‘I don’t know for sure. But Marc Warren has had great opportunities and wasn’t able to take them.
‘Perhaps the fact that it has also become an international event with winners like Phil Mickelson and Rickie Fowler is another reason.
‘But it is getting harder all the time and the presence of big international stars that perform well is making it more difficult for a Scot to win.’
Warren has his heart set on emulating Monty’s success as one of eight Scots currently in the field this coming week.
That number could rise to a dozen today with another four spots up for grabs in the qualifier at Longniddry.
But Warren will be one of those in the spotlight along with PGA Tour stars Russell Knox and Martin Laird, Ryder Cup player Stephen Gallacher, Ramsay, David Drysdale, Jamieson and Bradley Neil.
He said: ‘I’ve got good memories from the last time at Gullane after playing pretty solid and having a good Sunday.
‘I also feel that links courses suit my game a bit more. I feel comfortable playing in the wind and having to hit a few different shots, and Gullane is one of the best.’
Drysdale, the 43-year-old from nearby Cockburnspath, is another worth considering as a potential contender to end a 19-year wait, given his local knowledge.
Drysdale, still searching for a maiden European Tour win after coming close several times during his 20-year career, also pointed to being able to enjoy home comforts as a factor in his favour.
He added: ‘It’s great to be able to stay at home as this is the only event when I can do that, given the relatively close proximity of the course.
‘I also believe that Gullane is the best course we’ve visited for the Scottish Open in recent years.
‘A course has to be there for a long time to feel linksy and Gullane does very much have that feel.’