Published: Wednesday, 16th July, 2008 12:00
Callum MacAulay tells us of his Scottish Open experience
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Callum pictured at Loch Lomond with his favourite Caddy, dad Harry
This past week has been one of the best experiences of my life.
I had my whole family, friends and other people up supporting me.
Loch Lomond is one of my favourite courses I have ever played and when I was told I would be playing in my first European Tour Event there, I was really excited.
Monday was a casual practice round day. I arrived and registered at the players tent where I was surrounded by the Who's Who of golf, Els, Poulter,Westwood, Mickelson and many more. I couldnt believe they were sitting next to me!!
I had a player’s guest ticket for my dad as well so we were entitled to food and drink free all day every day, (which I seriously took advantage of!!).
The players tent was right next to the driving range and other areas of importance that I was not accustomed to. Later that day I played with one of my friends Lloyd Saltman and we had a chat about life on tour, which he has been experiencing since he turned pro about a year ago.
My dad was caddying for me all week and we stayed in Drymen to save us the hour journey up and back each day.
On Tuesday I played with Marc Warren, Peter Whiteford and Robert Dinwiddie but we got drenched and only played 9 holes, I finished the other 9 holes the next morning. I had had 36 holes of practise and felt comfortable. The only thing that would hold me back now were the nerves.
As if I hadn’t waited long enough, we were delayed an hour and a half on Thursday morning, my 9.30 tee time was now 11.00. I couldnt wait and when I eventually got announced on the first tee by Ivor Robson (probably the most famous 1st Tee anouncer ever), I could hardly tee my ball up.
My legs were shaking, thoughts were going through my head, "Dont duff it, or dont top it", so I just hit it as hard as I could. Luckily it came of like a bullet straight up the middle.
Unfortunately I bogeyed the first but got my first roar from the crowd at the second green when I holed a 25ft putt for a birdie. I played ok but shot 3 over, and would need 5 under the following day to make the cut.
Friday I was last out at 2.30 and was really feeling good. I had a good warm up and was feeling like I could shoot under par. I started with 8 straight pars. As I started on the 10th, I came on to my 9th hole which is actually the 18th (my favourite hole).
There are bunkers down the right, and Loch Lomond on the left, and the hole is about 460 yds. I hit a great tee shot which left me a 5 iron.
All I could see were the people, the grandstand and the corporate tents were packed. I hit my best shot of the week to about 7 feet behind the hole, but again my putt slipped by.
It was my favourite moment of the week hitting that shot into 18. I shot 73 on Friday and missed the cut by 7 shots.
I thoroghly enjoyed the experience and cannot wait to turn professional so I can play in events like that every week. I will remember the week for the rest of my life and I want to thank everyone who came to support me, especially the guys from Clackmannanshire clubs. It meant a lot to have all my friends and family there experiencing it with me.
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A five star performance from Alloa