Soren Kjeldsen’s golfing renaissance has been one of the most heartening stories on the European Tour over the past two years.
The likeable Dane finished the 2014 season ranked 335th in the world and struggling with his game – now he is back inside the top 50 and pushing for a maiden Ryder Cup appearance.
The 41-year-old has not looked back since winning the Irish Open in a play-off against Eddie Pepperell and Bernd Wiesberger just over a year ago.
It was his first win on the European Tour for six years but the success was followed by five top-10 finishes during the remainder of the 2015 season, including three runners-up placings.
A top-10 at the Masters in April has helped keep the momentum going for Kjeldsen this season and he will arrive at Castle Stuart Golf Links as one of the main contenders to succeed Rickie Fowler as the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open champion.
He said: “A lot of things have fallen into place.
“Exactly a year ago, I started having my new caddie, Alistair Matheson, on the bag and he has been a great asset.
“He has done a fantastic job and helped me a lot.
“I have probably worked harder at my game than ever before.
“Suddenly I feel a sense of freedom in my game again.
“There were a few years when I was feeling pretty uptight when I was over the ball but, thanks to the hard work, things have started to click.
“Hopefully people will think I can contend at Castle Stuart. The last year has been really good and I want to continue that form.
“There is a lot I want to achieve and I am looking for a big summer.”
Kjeldsen is excited about returning to Castle Stuart – a venue where he finished fifth in 2012.
He said: “It is a great course on an absolutely beautiful piece of land.
“I think the architect has done a great job.
“I like the fact that we don’t play on a really tough course the week before the Open.
“A tough links course can become almost unplayable in difficult wind and rain.
“I have heard that they have strengthened a few of the holes, which is fine.
“Castle Stuart gives us the chance to show the quality of our golf.
“Some courses are built simply to be tough and they are definitely not as much fun to play.”