Nairn golfer Sandy Scott wants to prove he can compete with the best after qualifying for the US Open
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Nairn golfer Sandy Scott says he will be going to the US Open looking to prove he compete with the best in the world.
The 22-year-old qualified for the US Open next month after finishing among the top seven in the world amateur golf rankings.
He is sixth in this week's world rankings which secured his place at the US Open.
A total of 144 of the top golfers in the world will compete at the Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, New York on September 17.
The former Nairn Academy pupil says it is the biggest moment in his career.
But taking part in the tournament isn't enough for Scott, he wants to prove he can compete with the best as well.
"I am going there with a mindset that I want to compete," he said.
"Its great that I am in the US Open now.
"But the goal is I want to be competitive.
"I am going there trying to win the tournament just as any other player should be and I will prepare as best as I can do."
Scott has been in the United States for four years studying at Texas Tech University while competing on the American amateur golf circuit.
He competed at the US Amateur Golf Championship last week where he made the last 32 of the competition to help secure his ranking of number six in the world.
He said he wanted to ensure his place in the top seven through his own merit.
But admitted he was unsure if he had until the rankings were announced on Wednesday.
"In the weeks leading up to it when it was announced there was going to be US Open spots off the amateur rankings I thought that it would be close," he said.
"That is why I wanted to play the US Amateur Championships and to be able to play my way into the US Open rather than just leave it to chance.
"After a fairly strong showing at the amateur championships I thought that I would have a really good chance.
"But you never know so it was good to see the rankings come in on Wednesday."
Scott started his golf career at Nairn Golf Club where his dad Alex was an assistant professional. Growing up, he said that his hero was Tiger Woods, who will also be playing at the US Open.
He said qualifying for one of golf's four major tournaments has always been an ambition and an opportunity he intends to show how good he is.
"It certainly has been a goal of mine," he said.
"But with the circumstances and all that is going on just now, just being able to qualify through rankings, is certainly a special opportunity and I’m excited for it."
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