What a difference a year has made to Ryan’s fortunes
Almost a year ago, Ryan Lumsden sat slumped alone in a corner of the Prestwick clubhouse, 10-down at lunch in the Scottish Amateur Championship final.
This week the little-known player will find himself teeing it up alongside the sport’s very best at the second Major Championship of the Year, the US Open. It’s quite a story.
“It’s incredible,” admits the London-born player, who plays for Scotland through his Edinburgh-born grandparents.
“Playing in a Major is always something you dream about, but to have it finally right around the corner is such a great feeling. I can’t wait to get going.”
Lumsden came through qualifying late on Monday night in Columbus, Ohio, sealing a dream place at Shinnecock Hills alongside fellow Scottish qualifiers Richie Ramsay, Russell Knox and rookie pro, Calum Hill, a former Muckhart junior member, now based in New Mexico.
Lumsden, 21, who has been impressing on the US college circuit at Northwestern University – where former world No. 1 Luke Donald attended – was sandwiched between star Australian duo Adam Scott and Aaron Baddeley on the leaderboard as he tied 10th on the qualifying mark of six-under-par.
His effort was all the more impressive after birdieing two of his last three holes following a double bogey at the 14th.
“I knew I really needed to birdie 18 to have any chance, and it felt like I just willed the ball into the hole. So to have done that given the situation does feel great,” added Lumsden, who is attached to the Royal Wimbledon club.
“I’m viewing it as a huge learning opportunity this week, and also a chance to go and have a lot of fun.
“These chances are rare at the start of a career, so I’m planning on making the most of it.
“I just want to see how I stack up against these guys, and see what I can learn from the best players.”
But what of THAT Scottish Amateur final in Ayrshire last summer?
“Golf is a funny game,” the Anglo-Scot stresses, after losing heavily 9& 8 to Stonehaven’s Sam Locke in the 36- hole showdown.
“I played well in the Scottish, but just came out into the final completely flat with no game – it happens occasionally in our sport.
“I’ve improved a lot since starting at Northwestern, and I’m viewing my remaining time as a constant learning opportunity if I want to play golf for a career.”