Stephen Gallacher will play in the US PGA championship after having his place in the Wisconsin field confirmed yesterday.
The invitation is the latest reward for Press and Journal columnist Gallacher, who has put his injury problems behind him to enjoy one of his best seasons on the European Tour.
A tour victory still eludes Gallacher in 2010, but he has been in contention in several tournaments.
With his place in the field at Whistling Straits on August 12 now assured, the Scot hopes to celebrate by doing well in this week’s Irish Open.
Gallacher said: “It’s brilliant news.
“The timing is great as it means I can relax and enjoy my week in Ireland.
“I came here with the mindset of having to do well and move up the world rankings to be sure of my place, but that pressure is gone now. I can concentrate on playing and hopefully put myself in contention.”
Once this week’s event has been completed, Gallacher will begin the task of learning about the Wisconsin course.
He added: “At the moment I know next to nothing about Whistling Straits.
“I remember watching Vijay Singh win there in a play-off in 2004 and it looked a typical links course.
“I hope that’s the case and it’s nice and breezy when the tournament starts as windy conditions will suit me perfectly.”
Gallacher would like nothing better than to prepare for the season’s final major with a victory in Ireland this week.
His compatriot, Royal Aberdeen golfer Richie Ramsay, expects the Killarney course in County Kerry to provide a thrilling spectacle for spectators and test the field taking part.
The event is returning to Killarney for the first time since 1992 and, with a good crowd guaranteed, Ramsay expects a boisterous atmosphere and some tough greens.
He said: “The biggest thing about playing in Ireland is that everybody comes out to watch.
“There are just so many people who support the tour and it doesn’t matter where we play, the crowds turn out to watch. It makes the atmosphere really good and if you are in the hunt it will make it even better.
“You can’t hit your tee shot that far and if there is a back pin and a little bit of wind you could be hitting five or six iron in the wind where there is not too much area to bail out.
“It is going to be a challenge and there are a few holes where you are going to have to pick your yardage and your club and commit to it. That’s the sign of a good golf course where there are a few challenging holes out there.”