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McNicoll Surveys Scottish Amateur Title
The cream of Scotland's amateurs take on one of the biggest tests in golf when the Allied Surveyors Scottish Amateur Championship takes place at Carnoustie at the end of next month (28 July - 2 August).
Hopes are rising in Carnoustie that this season's Scottish title could find a home even more locally since Scottish Institute of Sport supported golfer Keir McNicoll has come into exceptional form lately.
The 23-year-old, plus four handicapper reached last season's final at Prestwick and, having already got into the GB & Ireland squad for the forthcoming St Andrews Trophy, he saw off a cosmopolitan field to win the St Andrews Links Trophy in June, the biggest victory of his career so far.
"I had a great run last year and while I cannot take any credit away from John (Gallagher) as he was the best player on the day and deserved the win, I must admit after 7 rounds followed by a 36 hole final, it was disappointing to walk away as the runner up," said McNicoll.
"That has made me more determined this year, as it is THE amateur title you want to get as a Scot, and for the championship to be taking place at my home course will bring with it certain advantages as well as a degree of pressure.
He added, "I have been playing the course since I was fourteen and when I am not playing I am caddying there so I know it back to front. However, playing off the Open tees adds an extra 500 yards which brings more bunkers into play. Avoiding the rough, which is quite thick right now and hitting the fairways will be crucial if you want to stay in the running and I certainly intend to make the final and go one better this year."
The 23-year-old, plus four handicapper reached last season's final at Prestwick and, having already got into the GB & Ireland squad for the forthcoming St Andrews Trophy, he saw off a cosmopolitan field to win the St Andrews Links Trophy in June, the biggest victory of his career so far. "I had a great run last year and while I cannot take any credit away from John (Gallagher) as he was the best player on the day and deserved the win, I must admit after 7 rounds followed by a 36 hole final, it was disappointing to walk away as the runner up," said McNicoll.
"That has made me more determined this year, as it is THE amateur title you want to get as a Scot, and for the championship to be taking place at my home course will bring with it certain advantages as well as a degree of pressure.
He added, "I have been playing the course since I was fourteen and when I am not playing I am caddying there so I know it back to front. However, playing off the Open tees adds an extra 500 yards which brings more bunkers into play. Avoiding the rough, which is quite thick right now and hitting the fairways will be crucial if you want to stay in the running and I certainly intend to make the final and go one better this year."