FAMILIARITY breeds contentment. Erin Hills may be a new course on the US Open block but Richie Ramsay is feeling very much at home and sees a touch of Murcar Links, the Renaissance and Crail in this week’s venue for the second major of the men’s season.
The Scot last played in the US Open as an amateur back in 2007 when he was paired with Tiger Woods and the Aberdonian is relishing the prospect of dining at the top table again.
“I will probably savour this a lot more just because it has been so long I last played in this particular major,” said Ramsay, who earned his trip to Wisconsin by coming through the European qualifier at Walton Heath at the end of May.
“I am a different player from ten years ago. I am technically far superior now and mentally I am a lot tougher, which comes with experience.”
The Erin Hills layout, meanwhile, is giving Ramsay reason for cautious optimism.
“There are elements and the visuals are similar in places to the third hole at Murcar,” he said.
“I can see a lot of the Renaissance in the course along with the Craighead Links course at Crail where I once contested the Scottish Strokeplay and where the rough was really thick that week.
“The greens are quite narrow in some places while the bunkering is good. The biggest problem here at Erin Hills with the rough is that the thickest part is the first two to three yards. The guys who drive it straight this
week will have the best chance of winning. In saying that, I like the golf course and it seems to set-up pretty well for me.”
Ramsay had tried for many years to earn a US Open place through the 36-hole qualifying scramble at Walton Heath and he finally made it this season.
He didn’t have far to look for inspiration. In the clubhouse of the Surrey course is a picture of Ramsay’s good friend, Michael Campbell, who came through the qualifier in 2005 and then went on to win the US Open at Pinehurst.
“Anyone who has been to Walton Heath trying to qualify cannot go into the clubhouse without seeing that picture of Cambo”, said Ramsay. “So, it was great of him to send me a text message after I qualified wishing me well for this week.”
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