Oban’s Robert MacIntyre has been handed a dream draw for this week’s Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open.
The 22-year-old, who is enjoying a remarkable rookie season on the European Tour, will partner Rory McIlroy and Rickie Fowler in the opening two rounds at The Renaissance Club.
When asked about the draw, he said: “Well, got to be thrown in at the deep end at some point I suppose.
“I’m going to learn from this. It’s another learning experience for me.
“In my first year, I’ve had quite a few already and this is going to be another one.
“It’s going to be another special week, and not just for me, but my family as well. To be out with them in your first Scottish Open is pretty special.
“To get this draw does add to it a little bit but I’m trying to keep it as normal as possible.
“Obviously the nerves are going to be big on the first tee and the driving range, but I’m sure once we get going, we’ll be all right.”
MacIntyre, McIlroy and Fowler will tee off at 1.40pm on Thursday.
Inverness golfer Russell Knox starts his first round at 1.30pm alongside Jorge Campillo from Spain and Englishman Matt Fitzpatrick.
Aberdeen’s Paul Lawrie tees off at 1pm with Bernd Wiesberger and Martin Kaymer, while David Law will play the opening two rounds with England’s Eddie Pepperell and American Jimmy Walker at 1.50pm.
Richie Ramsay will partner Thomas Bjorn and Ernie Els at 2pm.
Fraserburgh’s Kris Nicol, who made it through Sunday’s Scottish Open qualifier, will play with Dane Jeff Winther and Japan’s Yusaku Miyazato at 2pm.
Stephen Gallacher gets under way at 8.20am with South African Christian Bezuidenhout and China’s Haotong Li.