On this week's player blog Scot Richie Ramsayreflects on his ten years on tour, love of rugby and his love of links golf.
Thinking back to The Open in 2007, my first ten years on the European Tour have gone by so quickly.
This decade on Tour has taught me that experience counts for a great deal, both in relishing pressure on the course and managing schedules off it. The highlight to date is probably my win in Morocco back in 2015. The victory came at a time when I was fighting my game, so it was extra satisfying to pull through while embracing the pressure of being in contention.
Last week in Ireland was a perfect of example of fighting down the stretch and embracing the heat of competition.
On the back nine on Sunday I understand now that you have to take on the challenge. I left Portstewart leading greens in regulation, which shows my game is in a good place.
With us in the midst of this stretch of tournaments, I’m relishing the chance to compete during this seaside stretch.
My love for links golf remains strong. I’ve obviously been brought up on links at Royal Aberdeen so I feel very comfortable adapting to this part of the season.
My second place last week in Ireland guaranteed my place in next week’s Open Championship.
Royal Birkdale for me is one of the best courses on The Open rota and one that I think plays similar to Portstewart and Royal Aberdeen. I feel my game is well suited to a course like Birkdale. I enjoy using my imagination and playing different shots on these course, so I expect to feel very comfortable next week.
As a big rugby fan I was glued to the British & Irish Lions test in New Zealand.
I think we often forget just how good that New Zealand team was. To get a draw, especially coming from behind as they did was impressive. Growing up I was a huge football fan but was drawn to the sport of rugby after seeing the way the very best players conduct themselves on the pitch in the heat of battle. The respect and integrity that the sport demands chimes with the way I try to work
I’m a huge believer in the Kaizen philosophy.
The idea that you will be rewarded for continual work rate and hunt for improvement. It’s something that I’ve been reading more into and trying to apply in my day to day work.
Life has changed a lot at home.
My 16 month old daughter Olivia is growing up fast. I’ve been on the road for the last two weeks so being at home for the start of this week before arriving here at Dundonald was nice. I’m relishing seeing her grow up but at the same time looking forward to the day she can hopefully come see her Dad play during tournament week.
We’re living in a new era of communication and I’m pretty active on Twitter.
While you of course have to be careful at times with tweeting in the heat of the moment, for me it’s a great way to communicate with fans from around the world, stay in touch with people that you meet and build and maintain friendships while travelling.
You can follow Richie on Twitter: @RamsayGolf
