Inverness golfer Russell Knox believes he is ready for his maiden Open championship appearance after a practice round with Bernhard Langer.
The German, a two-time Masters champion, finished runner-up at the Open on two occasions, including in 1984 at St Andrews when Seve Ballesteros triumphed at the Old Course.
Knox learned a huge amount from playing with the 57-year-old, who has 97 professional wins to his name, and said: “I wanted to see how he went about his day and prepared for it.
“He has played here so many times and he is still grinding on every hole and getting yardages for every shot.
“I didn’t really ask him too many questions, I just watched how he did it.
“Everyone is so different in practice rounds. But if I can learn something that might help me by watching someone else then it is worth it.
“Bernhard and I have similar games. There is no point in me following around Tiger Woods as he hits it 40 yards past me, whereas Bernhard and I hit it similar distances. I’m maybe a little bit longer now.
“It is nice to see how someone picks their way around a course like that so hopefully it is going to help.”
This is the first time Knox has played the Old Course since his days on the amateur circuit.
The grandstands surrounding the greens may take a bit of getting used to but the 30-year-old is taking it all in his stride.
He said: “It is so much easier with the stands because there are so many more things to aim for and the yardage books are so precise – it is all pretty cool.
“I can’t wait to tee off. It was a buzz to be out there for the practice rounds. Normally a practice day on a Tuesday is the most boring day, but getting up was a lot easier because I was getting to play the Old Course with all this craziness on the go. It is going to be a blast.”
Fierce winds are predicted for tomorrow but Florida-based Scot Knox knows how to hang on to a score in difficult conditions from his formative years playing at Nairn Dunbar.
He said: “I hate playing in terrible weather, but I am good at it. I know my caddie wishes for it every week.
“I know I am capable of competing. With the weather forecast, a lot of it is going to depend on if you can get on the good side of the draw.
“I love links golf and I have a lot of experience. I am comfortable and swinging well so there is no reason why I can’t do well.”
Knox will be one of the first players to tee off in the 144th Open championship with a 6.54am start alongside playing partners, America’s Brian Harman and Canadian Graham De Laet.
He added: “I’m not sure how early I will need to set my alarm for. I don’t get to tee off at that time too often, certainly not by choice. I imagine it is going to be freezing in the morning. It will be interesting – but at least the first fairway is 150 yards wide.”