Stephen Gallacher hopes the Dunhill Links Championship draw has worked in his favour as he bids to win the tournament for the second time.
The Scot moved to five-under-par for the tournament yesterday thanks to a four under 68 at Carnoustie and with two rounds remaining, both of which will be at St Andrews, the Press and Journal columnist hopes the home of golf can be a happy hunting ground this weekend.
He said: “You can never really tell in this event can you? You see guys shooting seven or eight under. That certainly wasn’t on here or where I was yesterday at Kingsbarns.
“But 36 holes on the Old Course, you can shoot round there. You can shoot well on the Old Course if you get it going. At least I’m playing there tomorrow and Sunday so you get a feel for the place.
“I’ve been playing well the last two or three months but just not been holing enough putts at the right time. I need to score a bit better and hopefully I’ll do that over the weekend.”
Carnoustie has been a good course for Gallacher in the past and he looked at ease again yesterday but insists even in the calmer conditions it remains a tough test.
He said: “I like it, it’s one of my favourite courses but it is never easy, is it? There were some tough holes but it wasn’t as bad as yesterday in the wind.”
Richie Ramsay is the only other Scot under par at one under followed by David Drysdale who is level thanks to a 71 at Kingsbarns.
Stonehaven’s Sam Locke remains at one over after a level 72 at Carnoustie with Marc Warren, Connor Syme and Scott Jamieson three over, Liam Johnstone is five over while Bradley Neil is six over following his 78 at Kingsbarns.