Scotland's number one Robert MacIntyre believes he is a much improved golfer from his 2019 Open debut at Royal Portrush, where he finished sixth behind Shane Lowry. Now a top 20 player, he arrives after a third-place finish at the Scottish Open.

"In 2019, I felt like I was just being part of the tournament... Whereas now, I come here and I know that if I play well, I've got a chance to win," MacIntyre said. He acknowledges expectation but not pressure at his first visit to Royal Birkdale.

MacIntyre describes the course as brutal with fast fairways requiring strategic play: "You've really got to stay disciplined to your gameplan." The only other Scot is Jack McDonald, 33, who qualified at Dundonald Links and works as a trainee PGA professional at Whitecraigs Golf Club.

MacIntyre and McDonald know each other from the Challenge Tour. "It's a shame that there aren't more of us," MacIntyre said, hoping for stronger Scottish representation at future Opens.