Belgium’s Nicolas Colsaerts is determined to show how much he has improved since making his Open debut at Royal Troon 12 years ago after securing his place for this week’s tournament at the Ayrshire venue.
Colsaerts’ finished tied third at the Scottish Open at Castle Stuart to seal one of four qualifying spots for the Open championship.
Colsaerts played in the competition for the first time at Troon as a 21-year-old in 2004, but does not look back fondly on the experience after missing the cut.
At the age of 33, Colsaerts is out to prove he can tackle the course and said: “I didn’t particularly enjoy my first experience but I was able to on a couple of occasions in the 2010s.
” The only hole I remember is the Postage Stamp, of course. I think I will just treat it like rediscovering the course.
“In the last 12 years, my game and I have changed quite a bit, so it will be a different player showing up this week.”
Colsaerts has not featured in the Open since 2013, with his best finish in the competition coming a year previously, when he came seventh at Royal Lytham and St Annes.
The two-time European Tour winner is relishing his return and added: “It’s been a while. It’s a big deal for everyone. Every time I get the chance to play in the Open I’m thrilled.
“It’s great with the crowds there. I’ve always loved playing links golf, so it will be another chance to do it again.”