The Dunhill Links Championship will be a family affair for Stonehaven’s Sam Locke this week.
The 20 year-old, who is playing his second event since turning professional in July, is putting his trust in his father Andrew, the PGA instructor who will double as his caddie in the tournament.
He said: “My dad is on bag this week, which is nice, though I also got on great when Michael MacDougall was on the bag in Portugal.
“In Portugal, I made the cut quite comfortably. I was a bit disappointed about my last round but, all in all, it was a good week. I’m learning lots every event I play.
“In pretty much every tournament I’ve played since turning pro, there’s been one day that’s not been that great but the three other rounds have been all right. We’ll get there.”
The transition from amateur to professional has been a challenging experience but with former Open champion Paul Lawrie also guiding the new pro Locke is grateful for having the Aberdonian’s experience on the European Tour to call on.
He said: “The biggest difference so far is that in the pro ranks it’s a longer week at an event. They run over more days than most amateur tournaments and you are also there for two or three days before it starts.
“In amateur golf, you probably played a practice round the day before and the event was then over two or three days. It’s a longer week and it’s about learning how to put four rounds together over four days.
“Paul (Lawrie) has been great. He’s just been saying to me that I have to treat each day individually. It’s a fresh start and it’s about going out and shooting the best score you can each day.”
Having enjoyed the Dunhill Links as a spectator previously Locke is excited at the prospect of competing in the tournament for the first time.
He said: “I played the courses a few times before and I’ve been to watch the Dunhill a few times, so to play in it is pretty cool.
“I went to Carnoustie on Monday and played a few holes – it looks a lot different without the stands up, that’s for sure. I’ve not been there before without them being up.
“It was nice to go back to a place I’d enjoyed playing and have great memories at and hopefully I can perform well there again, as well as at the other two venues this week.”
