Scott Jamieson sets sights on an Old Course Open to remember

Scott Jamieson is keen to get back to the success of two years ago when he picked up his only Tour victory at The Nelson Mandela Championship.

It may be six months away, but Scott Jamieson is keen to quickly make arrangements for the third week of July.

That is when The Open Championship, at St Andrews, is taking place and Jamieson doesn’t want to miss out on a special week at the Home of Golf.

But to get there, Scott will need some good golf and as far as he is concerned, the sooner, the better, starting at this week’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.

The Open is now the centrepiece of the ‘Scottish Swing’ on the European Tour, with three events in four weeks in July and early August.

And for a home player like Scott, he couldn’t ask for anything more. The 31-year-old has twice qualified for The Open through a high finish at the Scottish Open where he’s been inspired by the local support.

“I’ve played in three Opens but to play one at St Andrews would be an absolute dream,” he says.

“It’s great to play there in the Dunhill Links, but I can only imagine what it’s like as an Open Championship venue.

“The calendar now looks good with three events in four weeks in Scotland and Paul Lawrie’s matchplay event is a great addition.

“There are always good crowds and a good feel in Scotland. And they’d love to cheer home a Scottish winner.

“It’s so different to some of the places in China, where it seems like there are two men and a dog watching.

“Plus, it’s a great thing for Scotland to build on following on from the success of the Ryder Cup.”

After a career best 31st in 2013 on the Race to Dubai, Jamieson dropped back down to 76th last year, his lowest-ever finish on Tour.

So he is approaching the 2015 season with a desire to put that right. He hopes that a more-relaxed approach, thanks to parenthood, will pay dividends.

“After my success in 2013, last year was a let-down,” he admits. “I was disappointed that I couldn’t push on.

“Two years ago, I made a flying start as I finished first, third and second in my first three events. That set me up for the whole year as my card was secured and I was assured of making the Race to Dubai.

“We had a baby girl last January, which was great but when I came back on Tour, I felt like I was chasing my tail.

“I kept thinking how much worse I was doing in comparison with the previous year. It’s a long season and you don’t need to rush to make things happen.

“I’m now trying to have a healthier state of mind. When you’re relaxed, you accept your mistakes better.

“Golf is not a perfect game and it’s so important not to dwell on your bad shots. That is a massive factor in terms of your attitude.

“Anyway, the last few months have been great. Coming home to my daughter certainly puts a bad round or a bad tournament in perspective.”