Grant Forrest is hoping to put his course knowledge to the use at Carnoustie this week.
The 25-year-old from North Berwick reached the final when the Amateur championship was held at the Angus links three years ago.
The Walker Cup player was beaten 4 and 2 by Frenchman Romain Langasque on that occasion but he feels his previous experience of the course will be beneficial when he tees off in today’s first round.
He said: “This is one of my favourite courses so it’s good to be back.
“It’s playing really firm but fair.
“I got to the final of the Amateur here three years ago so I must have played it 10 or 11 times that week.
“It was fairly firm then but nothing like this.
“You still have to hit good golf shots. The greens are receptive enough and you can keep the ball on the fairways so it’s a fair enough test.
“I played really nicely the week of the Amateur so it’s good to have those memories to draw on.
“The more you play somewhere the better.
“Carnoustie is all in front of you but it definitely helps to have played the course a few times.”
This is Forrest’s second appearance at The Open.
He missed the cut as an amateur at Muirfield in 2013 after earning a spot through qualifying.
Forrest said: “This is one of the four majors and playing in an Open is what you dream of growing up.
“Having played one before as an amateur has prepared me a bit – knowing what to expect and what shots to hit.
“It’s great to be here.
“It felt a bit different signing in as a pro rather than as an amateur. I’ve got a couple of years of tour golf behind me. It’s not new to me this time.”
Forrest has a late start for his opening round.
He tees off at 2.26pm alongside 1996 Open champion Tom Lehman and South Africa’s Dylan Frittelli.
Forrest added: “Playing with Tom Lehman should be good.
“I’ll just be trying to hit good golf shots and take the rest of the stuff out.
“There are quite a few people from Craigielaw coming up as well as family and friends.
“It will be good to have home support.
“I don’t feel more pressure being one of only five Scots. For me, it’s just a great opportunity to prove myself more than anything.
“I already know what the first tee nerves are like. That’s different to anything I’ve ever experienced. The second day was probably worst because I’d made a good score on the first day and I was hoping to make the cut.
“Nerves are a good thing.”
