Mattcan’twaitto‘pegitup’atCarnoustie

MATTHEW SOUTHGATE punched the air. Tears welled up in his eyes. It was justice.

And having produced one of the stories of The Open the Englishman has now set his sights on winning the Claret Jug at the Carnoustie course where he is a member.

Southgate doesn’t have to worry about his place in the field in Angus next year. Automatic qualification which was so cruelly ripped away from him 12 months ago at Royal Troon due to a rule change won’t stop him this time. He’s booked for Scotland already.

Which is perfect given he can walk into Carnoustie any day of the week. Southgate’s father, who won at the Scottish venue during his own career, bought him a membership for his 16th birthday as a reward for getting his handicap down to scratch.

Matthew said: “Carnoustie’s got a very special place in my heart and my family’s hearts. I spent a lot of time there as a kid and it’s the best golf course in the world.

“I can’t wait to peg it up and hopefully make them all proud. I try to get up yearly. When I was younger we used to go more.

“The support I get from there and the opportunity to play is unbelievable. I have played with some great players there and it has given me the opportunity to learn links golf. I’m very lucky.

“I think it will be an incredible turnout next year.”